Bard Music Program presents
Companions
Opera Workshop 2022
Directed by James Blaszko
Ensembles, choruses, and solos from operas by Purcell, Handel, Mozart, Arne, Schubert, Nielsen, and more.
February 5, 2022
“If love’s a sweet passion, why does it torment?”
After a year of isolation and distance, Bard Opera Workshop returns with an exploration of intimacy and companionship. Relationships have been radically re-examined in the light of this pandemic—the risk of physical proximity has pushed people to confront the state of their everyday relationships. The results range from newfound families to estrangement and divorce.
The ensemble will perform scenes and arias from the operatic canon that depict the complications of love with this in mind. They will bear witness to each other’s stories, often weaving in and out of scenes and pushing the action forward with devised storytelling. These interactions will culminate in an ode to togetherness (“The Promise of Living”) and hope for a more collaborative future.
Plan Your Visit
Eat & Stay
Nearby villages and towns in the Hudson Valley boast a large selection of restaurants, as well as a variety of hotels, motels, inns, and bed & breakfasts—many of which offer discounts for Bard visitors. Please mention Bard when making your reservations.
Dine Near Bard Stay Near BardDirections
Bard College’s main campus is located in Annandale-on-Hudson (a hamlet of Red Hook), New York, on the east bank of the Hudson River, about 90 miles north of New York City and 220 miles southwest of Boston. The Taconic State Parkway and the New York State Thruway provide the most direct routes to our campus. Click the Google map below, or get directions by entering the following address into your GPS: 60 Manor Avenue, Red Hook, NY 12571.
From the East
If you are traveling from east of the Hudson River in New York State, take the Taconic State Parkway to the Red Hook / Route 199 exit, drive west on Route 199 through the village of Red Hook to Route 9G, turn right onto Route 9G, drive north 1.9 miles, turn left onto Annandale Road, then turn right onto Manor Ave.
From the West
If you are traveling from west of the Hudson River, take the New York State Thruway (I-87) to exit 19 (Kingston), take Route 209 (changes to Route 199 at the Hudson River) over the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge to Route 9G, turn left onto Route 9G, drive north 3.5 miles, turn left onto Annandale Road, then turn right onto Manor Ave.
About the Venue
LUMA Theater
Accessible Seating
Wheelchair-accessible seating is available at all performances. Due to the flexible nature of this performance space, wheelchair seating varies for each production.
Wheelchair-Accessible Restrooms
Restrooms at all locations are wheelchair accessible. Single-use restrooms are available at most locations.
All-Gender Restrooms
Bard College and the Fisher Center support guests of any gender identity/expression in using the restroom of their choice. Additionally, all-gender restrooms are available at all venues.
More Info
Health and Safety Protocols
- Face masks are required at all performances.
- Per Bard College policy and recent CDC guidance, the Fisher Center is updating its policy to require proof of a Covid booster for all guests who are eligible to receive it. Individuals who received Pfizer or Moderna vaccines are eligible to receive a booster dose six months after their last dose. Those who received Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine are eligible to receive a booster dose two months after their original dose. Those not yet eligible will be able to enter, provided they are two weeks past their last vaccination dose.
- All guests ages 5+ must provide proof of full vaccination (plus booster, if eligible). The CDC considers people to be fully vaccinated two weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine, or two weeks after the second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.
- Please be prepared to present your proof of vaccination when arriving for events at the Fisher Center. Acceptable forms include: CDC vaccination card, photo of your CDC vaccination card, and Excelsior Pass Plus. Members of the Bard community (students, faculty, staff) can simply show their Bard ID, as their proof of vaccination and booster has been cleared with the College.
- Frequent cleaning and disinfecting of all areas and surfaces.