Watkinson student Gabriella Collin performed with the Connecticut Concert Opera at University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford.
Watkinson student Gabriella Collin of West Hartford performed in Tosca with the Connecticut Concert Opera. Submitted photo
Submitted by Kimberly Bigelow, Watkinson School
Watkinson School freshman Gabriella Collin of West Hartford sang in the well-known opera Tosca on Oct. 30 and Nov. 1 at the University of Saint Joseph. She sang in Acts 1 and 2 as a member of the St. James’s children’s choir and students from the University of Hartford.
Gabriella has always had a strong passion for singing and theatre, having performed in Once Upon A Mattress and Almost, Maine at Watkinson. Gabriella shared enthusiastically, “Tosca is a great next step for me as I pursue my passion for theater and music. In some ways, this performance feels like the opportunity of a lifetime.”
In Act 1 of Giacomo Puccini’s Italian love triangle Tosca, it is revealed that Napoleon Bonaparte has been defeated and the war is over. The choir starts to rejoice exclaiming, “Long live the king!” and begins to sing. In the next part of Act 1, after the love song between the opera’s main characters ends, Gabriella processes out onto the stage and the choir follows. The choir sings the Te Deum and Act 1 is finished. In Act 2, Cavaradossi and Scarpia are having an intense argument while the choir sings in the background. The choir is not onstage, but is certainly heard.
Gabriella Collin reflected on her experience, “This is the first time I’ve been in an opera and I really like the experience!” She excitedly continued, “If there are roles for young singers in upcoming operas again, I will definitely try to be in it!”
The production was conducted by Hartt School of Music Professor Doris Lang Kosloff, who serves as the Artistic Director of Connecticut Concert Opera.
Watkinson School, a co-educational day school for grades 6-PG, was founded in 1881 and is Hartford’s oldest independent school. Watkinson’s next open house for prospective students is Dec. 7 at 8:30 a.m.
