For Whom the Bell Tolls (A New Opera in Two Acts)
Location: Washington, DC
Type: Theater
SEEKING: Tenor and Bass voices. All soprano and alto audition spots are filled.
In October 2022 the Symphony Orchestra of Northern Virginia will present the world premiere of For Whom the Bell Tolls at the iconic George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria, VA, followed by a performance with the Rome Symphony Orchestra in Rome, GA.
About the production:
Hemingway was a larger-than-life personality. In his popular novel, For Whom the Bell Tolls, he sees himself in the character of Robert Jordan, and idealistic young American in 1930’s fascist Spain, who accepts a doomed mission to blow up a bridge. Through his lyrical melody-driven music, Brian Grundstrom brings out the emotional depths of the characters and brings new insight to this Hemmingway classic. Using the full versatility of opera, Dorsen’s libretto and Grundstrom’s music are able not only to explore Hemingway’s themes of trust, loyalty, honor, love betrayal, fear pain, loss, and sacrifice, but add modern insight into the toxic nature of Jordan’s (Hemingway’s) masculinity, as his notions of honor clash with the reality of the situation. The opera takes place in the mountains of northern Spain during the Spanish Civil War in 1937.
Payment: $2,500-2,800 (depending on role), plus travel expenses and accommodations in Georgia
Rehearsals:
Two piano reads will occur in spring 2022.
Saturday, April 30, 2022 (Alexandria, VA)
Saturday, June 18, 2022 (Alexandria, VA)
Rehearsals (specific schedule TBD) will occur:
September 6 – October 6, 2022 (Alexandria, VA)
October 13 – 14, 2022 (Rome, GA)
Performances:
October 8 (Alexandria, VA)
October 9 (Alexandria, VA)
October 15 (Rome, GA)
Seeking:
Tenor and bass singers for multiple ensemble roles. For Whom the Bell Tolls features a cast of 4 leads and 12 ensemble roles. Due to the small size of the cast, all of the ensemble roles are critically important, and many feature solo lines.
All cast and crew must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and are strongly encouraged to have received any booster dose(s) when eligible per CDC guidance.
Auditions:
February 12, 2022, 9:30am-12:00pm
George Washington Masonic National Memorial Theatre (second floor, North Lodge Room)
101 Callahan Dr. Alexandria, VA 22301
Parking is available on site at the memorial
Auditionees will be asked to sing:
1. An operatic selection of your choosing, not to exceed 120 seconds.
2. A selection from For Whom the Bell Tolls
If interested, please complete the audition registration form https://forms.gle/z6DjwgMgESnsuVHb8 and email headshot, resume, and audition sheet music to forwhomthebelltollsopera@gmail.com no later than February 9, 2022. Upon receipt of your files, you will be assigned an audition time and be emailed the music selection from For Whom the Bell Tolls.
Individuals will be required to be masked at all times other than while singing during the auditions. Individuals should be prepared to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination (original medical documentation or image) at the audition.
Payment: Paid
City or Location of call: Washington, DC
Please submit to: forwhomthebelltollsopera@gmail.com by 2022-02-09
Complete google form in the announcement, and submit resume, headshot, and personal selection audition sheet music. Upon receipt of your materials, you will be assigned a time and sent the opera selection.
This casting notice was posted by: Symphony Orchestra of Northern Virginia
