World Premiere Collaboration
Sung in Multiple Languages
* 21 and Under School Show, Valid IDs are required for entry and will be checked at the door. Ticketed patrons 21 and over are permitted only if accompanying someone underage*
February 8, 2023
Thursday & Friday at 5:00 PM
The Cooperage
Run Time 2 hours, includes an after performance talkback
“We’ve long admired Immortal Girlfriend for their unique sound and artistry. We know their collaboration with the Florentine Opera will create an incredible concert that pairs opera classics with modern vibes for covers you’ll only experience on the Florentine stage.” - Monique and Chauntee Ross of SistaStrings
Great opera reimagined with modern vibes, this experience will take you on a journey through the ages, leaving you breathless and inspired. Mixed, unreserved seating. Cocktails and bites available for purchase thanks to the Cooperage.
Immortal Girlfriend is an alternative electronic/ Retrofuture band and production duo, made up of brothers Kevin and William Bush. The self proclaimed “Dark Knights of Synth” define their sound as a blend of synth, cinema, nostalgia, and long car rides at night. Recently, Immortal Girlfriend has been involved in composing film scores and other commercial work, with their projects being recognized by NPR and Essence. Immortal Girlfriend creates a sonic landscape that will marry beautifully with the opera classics that will be “covered” in this performance. Both Florentine Opera and Immortal Girlfriend are already working closely together on repertoire selection for the upcoming performance. Read more about Immortal Girlfriend in this 88Nine interview.
“The Florentine Opera’s commitment to ‘classics with a twist’ stays true with this collaboration change,“ shares Maggey Oplinger, general director and CEO. “We know the Milwaukee audience loves hummable, recognizable tunes sung by beautiful voices, and the Covers performance will deliver just that. Immortal Girlfriend is a powerhouse for lush sound, and will allow us all to enjoy some of our favorite opera in a whole new way.”
Polonaise - Eugene Onegin
Habanera - Carmen - Bizet
Quando M’en Vo - La Bohème - Puccini
Deh vieni all finestra - Don Giovanni - Mozart
Marechiare - Song - Tosti
Pearl Fishers Duet - Pearl Fishers - Bizet
Votre Toast - Toreador Song - Carmen - Bizet
Engenho Novo - Song - Ernani Braga
Barcarolle - Les Contes d’Hoffman - Offenbach
O mio babbino caro - Gianni Schicchi- Puccini
La Donna è mobile - Rigoletto - Verdi
Nessun Dorma - Turandot - Puccini
Libiamo - La Traviata - Verdi
Artists & Cast
Co-curated by Will and Kevin Bush of Immortal Girlfriend
Directed by Dimonte Henning (on Facebook or Instagram)
Featuring the Baumgartner Studio Artists and Laurann Gilley, Head of Music
Lighting Design by Jason Fassl
Sound & Audio Mixing The Cooperage
*Indicates Florentine Opera Debut | + Baumgartner Studio Artist | ^ Baumgartner Studio Artist Alum
Dimonte is grateful to direct COVERS for the Florentine Opera. Dimonte is a trained actor, director, and theatre producer, having spent almost two decades working in the performing arts. Dimonte received his formal theater training from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with additional training from Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s Emerging Professional Residency (2015/2016 season). He is a Founding Member of the Milwaukee Black Theater Festival and performing arts organization Lights! Camera! Soul!. Dimonte’s favorite directing credits include: The Colored Museum, Black Nativity, Dutchman, The Niceties, and Pretty Fire. Dimonte’s regional theater credits include: TONI STONE (Alliance Theatre), Stick Fly (Writers Theater), The Island & Deathtrap (Milwaukee Chamber Theater), Skeleton Crew (Forward Theater Co.), Our Town, A Christmas Carol, & Dreamgirls (Milwaukee Repertory Theater), The Wiz & The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (First Stage). Dimonte has several TV and commercial credits including: Guest starring roles on NBC’s Chicago PD (Seasons 4&6), Disney’s Encore!, UBER, Inpro Designs, and Harley-Davidson.
Sponsors
Coming Soon