Communities First, Inc.’s Culture Shock Program and the University of Michigan-Flint’s Opera Workshop students presented a unique opportunity for the community to experience opera on Friday, October 28, 2016. The free performance ran from 1:30pm - 2:30pm in the main lobby of Hurley Medical Center. More than 600 people had a chance to hear live opera music, many of whom had never experienced such a performance. One member of the audience remarked, "It was WONDERFUL! What talent and compsure. Thanks for bringing such a delightful event to Hurley."
Culture Shock is an arts and culture outreach program of Communities First, Inc. that provides cultural experiences that provoke, surprise and stimulate. By altering and enhancing perceptions of arts and culture--in partnership with other community groups and businesses--individuals and families can expand their horizons, broaden their tastes and deepen their understanding of the world around them. The program incorporates placemaking principles, utilizing public spaces in creative ways.
Communities First, Inc. partnered with The University of Michigan-Flint’s Opera Workshop for this pop up performance. The workshop features students who presented opera arias, art songs and musical theatre. The opera-tune-ities program brings fairy tale operas to local venues and elementary schools to promote performance and music education. Given the mutual goals of the programs, the two groups worked together to present an unconventional, yet intriguing opportunity for the Flint community to experience Opera.
“Our Culture Shock program is always stretching the boundaries of what is expected in the arts. Opera is not limited to an orchestra hall or reserved for a particular crowd. We make opera and other genres accessible for us all to enjoy”, said Glenn Wilson, Communities First, Inc. President/CEO.
For more information on Opera Workshop events, visit www.umflint.edu/music/opera-outreach or their Facebook page @operaworkshopumflint.