FM #1410 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1410 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Jon Mitchell, composer of the Chamber opera, Mary Anning, Fossil Hunter. Timothy Ayres-Kerr, joins us for the discussion on the origin of this opera and its scheduled performance in Grafton on April 5.
Tim will play the role of William Buckland. We find out that he did not prepare for this by eating “mice on toast.” He does share some vocal insights on this role, his preparation and the history of opera in America in the course of our conversation.
We met to record this conversation in the Franklin TV & Radio studios on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
We talk about
Origin story, cast of historical characters, chamber opera in 2 acts
Claflin Hill performance at the Apple Tree Arts Center in Grafton
Additions & changes to the performance, only 1 of the original cast unable to return
Dean College Vocal Ensembles to join as the chorus
The conversation runs about 42 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jon and Tim Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1410-mary-anning-fossil-hunter-03-11-25/
--------------
Jon Ceander Mitchell -> his UMass Boston profile page (although he is now retired) https://faculty.umb.edu/jon_mitchell/
Tim Ayres-Kerr - FPAC profile -> https://www.fspaonline.com/news.php?id=1604
TIm’s page -> https://timsingsthings.wixsite.com/mysite
Conductor Luis Viquez webpage -> https://www.luisviquezmusic.com/
Tickets available for the Claflin Hill performance at the Apple Tree Arts Center in Grafton -> https://www.claflinhill.org/claflin-hill-apple-tree-arts-chamber-series/chamber-concert-1-khjjz
Mary Anning’s wikipedia page -> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Anning
Flyer for the April 5, 2025 performance -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/15z8kqYSuETXL45PRFEXuQjtnek6n4J6R/view?usp=sharing
Program from the June 2024 performance -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/13UyjkG6CyzR0iMW21nIlPk_niEHj0x1N/view?usp=drive_link
--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
How can you help?
If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like something here, please let me know
And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit www.franklin.news/ or www.Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
 |
| Claflin Hill Apple Tree Arts Chamber Music Series schedules performance of Mary Anning - Fossil Hunter - April 5 |
