The music world has been blessed with several unbeatable partnerships throughout history like Rodgers and Hammerstein and Lennon and McCartney. Now The University of Memphis, along with the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music, is proud to have their own dynamic duo within the opera genre.
"Don Giovanni," one of the most adored operas by Mozart and Lorenzo da Ponte, begins a two-night engagement this weekend at The U of M. Although the campus' music department is already well respected throughout the city, this production is sure to garner even more praise than previous showstoppers.
Giovanna Maresta, assistant director at La Scala in Milan, Italy, has spent the last several weeks collaborating with Mark Ensley, the resident opera conductor at The U of M. This globetrotting musical union has remained strong since their first production together in 2000.
Although Maresta and Ensley have worked on productions in Tel Aviv, Israel and Italy, "Don Giovanni" is the first time the pair has directed stateside. Memphis has been a completely new world, according to Maresta.
"There's such a wide variety of experience in the department," Maresta said. "I've been very pleased and enthusiastic."
This diversity in the department comes courtesy of performers and members of the production crew. For example, an actress in "Don Giovanni" appeared in "La Boheme," the Puccini opera, which recently ran on Broadway, and the wig maker for The U of M production worked on the film "The Patriot," according to Ensley.
The cast and crew are so accomplished in their own right, according to Maresta, that her experience in Memphis has truly become an unforgettable one. Although she has enjoyed working in different countries, she said that the levels of talent within the music department are unprecedented.
"Everyone has an appreciation for what everyone else does," she said.
This, in turn, brings about an even richer, more passionate performance, according to Ensley.
"I've always said, 'If it's not good drama, it's not good opera," he said.
Considering Maresta and Ensley have brought opera to audiences across the world regardless of language barriers, "Don Giovanni" has solidified this duo's marriage in music.
"I can't imagine to go on in another way," Ensley said. "We're really connected."
This connection has given both of them new approaches to directing as well. The pair focuses on more than the music or lyrics of the opera. Instead, they are intent on their performers reaching new levels of communication aside from the libretto.
"All of us are more than the words we speak," Ensley said.
The songs within Mozart's masterpiece bring the characters' emotions to the forefront of the production. "Don Giovanni" is a story of a womanizer attempting to seduce three women. Although the plot line may be dark at points, thanks to the efforts of the cast, crew, Ensley and Maresta, the production is sure to shine this weekend.
Both Friday and Saturday's performances begin at 8 p.m. For more ticket information call 678-5400.
