Clarion call: local singer steps in at Glimmerglass

 

Emily Righter, who grew up in Clarion and attended Carnegie Mellon, had quite a day yesterday (August 3) when she stepped in for an ill singer in Bellini's "The Capulets & the Montagues" at Glimmerglass Opera, the summer festival in Cooperstown, New York.

Actually, Righter was really under pressure because mezzo-soprano Sandra Piques Eddy, singing Romeo, fell ill before Act II. So the Western Pa. native had to come on cold in the middle of a production, directed by Anne Bogart.  

Singers understudy roles all the time, but rarely actually get the chance to step in. It's good experience for Righter.

No telling how it sounded (anyone who was there or has a review feel free to register and comment!), but Righter looks pretty compelling here (in the pants role, of course). She is in the Glimmerglass Opera Young American Artists Program.

Also, no word yet if Righter will sing any more of the run (through August 24), but she will give a recital August 18 at 7:45 p.m. at Fenimore Art Museum in Cooperstown. Call 607-547-2255 for more info.