Opera Draws A Young Crowd at Sands Point Preserve

Submitted by Sands Point Preserve

Correction: An original version stated the wrong date for an upcoming performance.

Sands Point Preserve is offering audiences of all ages, especially young people, a chance to witness one of the world’s great art forms – opera. And the youthful crowd is indeed relating to opera’s compelling music and story lines. The phenomena was in plain view at a July 19 performance at the Preserve’s Castle Gould, where Mozart’s once-act operatic comedy Impresario, performed by the North Shore Music Festival, came to life.

At a time when opera companies face uncertainty in the struggle to find future audiences, viewers ranging from as five years old to their mid-twenties at Castle Gould are already enthralled in the art form. Within the castle’s Great Hall, they have the chance to sit in close proximity to the performers. They can feel up close the impressive range of the singers enriched by Mozart’s score as expressed by the live orchestra. Afterward, over dessert – the evening includes a three-course dinner – audience members mingle with the artists.

It is no wonder that many of opera’s newest fans are hoping to return to Castle Gould on Aug. 16 for the North Shore Music Festival’s presentation of Verdi’s Rigoletto.

“It was wonderful, and so convenient, to bring my son to hear his first opera at Sands Point Preserve. We both loved it,” a mother of one young-opera viewer said. “It’s such a treat to see first-rate opera singers right here on Long Island without the hassle of traveling to and from New York City. We can’t wait to come back.”

That they want to return is not surprising, given all the Preserve has to offer with its expanding cultural arts and education programs to the fitness trails spanning the 216 acres of this former Guggenheim Estate.

For example, Quincy DeYoung and her college roommate were in town, having just completed their second year at Barnard College, and working this summer in Manhattan. They were on Long Island in July – the same weekend of the Mozart opera – to visit family.

“We planned this weekend out of the city to include biking, swimming and a little culture, so naturally we thought this would be the perfect event, which included an elegant dinner and an opportunity to also meet the performers,” said Quincy’s grandmother, Georgia DeYoung.

“Earlier in the day, they toured the Preserve and were enchanted by the Rose Garden and its story,” she added. “They enjoyed the Mozart opera – thought it amusing, loved their seats— but really wished their schedules permitted returning for Rigoletto.”

Another young audience member who recently graduated high school also aims to return. Speaking after the performance, he said, “It’s always great to hear Mozart in person,” he said. “I also enjoyed meeting the performers, and asking about their training.”

As for Quincy DeYoung and her friend? They are already planning another visit to the Preserve, even if they can’t make the opera. Because they both enjoy sports, they are looking forward to running on the Preserve’s trails.

Upcoming performances at Sands Point Preserve include Rigoletto on Aug 16; and Sizzling Jazz on Oct. 18, featuring Music Director Steven Lutvak, composer of the 2014 Tony Award-winning musical Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder.

Friends of the Sands Point Preserve is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with the mission to protect and preserve the 216-acre waterfront grounds and historic mansions and to provide a range of cultural arts events and educational programs for families and schools in the Phil Dejana Learning Center and Outdoor Classroom.

For information about the Sands Point Preserve and to purchase a 2014 Annual Pass see www.TheSandsPointPreserve.com, call 516-571-7901or visit the Gate House at 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point, NY, 11050, open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.