Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Opera

 

The Ohio Light Opera Orchestra is a classical music ensemble that has been entertaining audiences for over 40 years. Founded in 1979, the orchestra is based in Wooster, Ohio, and is known for its performances of operettas and musicals from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Ohio Light Opera Orchestra was founded by James Stuart, a music professor at The College of Wooster. Stuart had a passion for operetta and musical theater, and he wanted to create a professional ensemble that could perform these works with the highest level of artistry. He recruited a group of talented musicians from around the country, and the Ohio Light Opera Orchestra was born. Over the years, the Ohio Light Opera Orchestra has had many talented musicians come and go, but there have been a few mainstays who have been with the ensemble for many years. One of these is Steven Byess, who has been the music director and conductor of the orchestra since 1993. Byess is a talented conductor and pianist who has worked with many other orchestras and opera companies throughout his career. Another key member of the Ohio Light Opera Orchestra is J. Lynn Thompson, who has been the orchestra's concertmaster since 1980. Thompson is a skilled violinist who has performed with many other orchestras and ensembles throughout her career. She is also a professor of music at The College of Wooster. The Ohio Light Opera Orchestra has performed many notable works over the years, including operettas by Gilbert and Sullivan, Johann Strauss II, and Franz Lehár. They have also performed musicals by composers such as Jerome Kern, George Gershwin, and Cole Porter. Some of the highlights of the orchestra's performances include their productions of The Mikado, The Merry Widow, and The Pirates of Penzance. In addition to their regular performances in Wooster, the Ohio Light Opera Orchestra has also performed at many other venues throughout the United States. They have performed at the Ravinia Festival in Chicago, the Caramoor Festival in New York, and the Blossom Music Festival in Ohio. They have also toured internationally, performing in countries such as Japan and Canada. The Ohio Light Opera Orchestra has received many awards and accolades over the years. In 2019, they were awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Operetta Association. This award recognizes the orchestra's contributions to the preservation and performance of operetta and musical theater. The orchestra has also been recognized by the Ohio House of Representatives for their contributions to the arts in the state. Overall, the Ohio Light Opera Orchestra is a talented and dedicated ensemble that has brought joy and entertainment to audiences for over 40 years. Their commitment to preserving and performing operetta and musical theater has made them a beloved institution in the world of classical music.

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