OLPGN Library Awarded Grant to Explore Operatic Voices & Stories

Old Lyme, CT – A $1500 grant to the Old Lyme-Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library supports a new musical presentation for adult audiences from teens to seniors. Participants will explore the interrelationship of vocal expression to larger themes of the human experience. Opera: Voices and Stories, a series of three lectures by guest speaker James Kuslan will be held on March 21, April 4 and 18th from 11 am to 12:30 pm in the Community Room.

Funded in part by the Connecticut Humanities and supported by Salt Marsh Opera Company of Stonington, CT, all programs are free and open to the public.

“We are thrilled to bring a new learning experience to our community that will provide a greater appreciation of the opera as a musical genre. The lecture series will bring insights into a composer’s use of historical context and themes for exploring society’s values and their relationship to contemporary culture, “ said Library Director Mary Fiorelli.” The Connecticut Humanities grant allows us to explore musical style as a reflection of ourselves.”

Connecticut Humanities, a non-profit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, provides opportunities to explore the history, literature and the vibrant culture that makes our state, cities and towns attractive places to live and work. Learn more by visiting cthumanities.org.
On March 21, Mr. Kuslan will present Tenors: Can’t Live with Them, Can’t Live Without ‘em; on April 4, The Sopranos and concluding on April 18 with Women in Pants.

James Kuslan is a writer and artistic producer for Deutsche Grammophon (DG). He lectures frequently on topics operatic and theatrical. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Yale University’s School of Drama. Mr. Kuslan contributed the essays included in the DVDs of the Metropolitan Opera’s production of Lucia di Lammermoor starring Anna Netrebko and released by DG.

The Library is located at 2 Library Lane, off Lyme Street in Old Lyme. Hours are Monday and Wednesday, 10am to 7pm; Tuesday and Thursday, 10am to 6pm; Friday, 10am to 5pm and Saturday, 10am to 4pm. If the Library’s parking lot is full, additional spaces are available on Lyme Street. There is also a lot behind the Old Lyme Memorial Town Hall across the street from the Library. Registration required by calling 860-434-1684 or visit www.oldlyme.lioninc.org to register online under the Events calendar.