Opera-Lytes

Staging Gilbert & Sullivan and light opera in Western New York since 1994.

Call for Concert & Opera Chorus

Auditions for The Yeomen of the Guard

Rehearsals and performances at Amherst Community Church, 77 Washington Hwy, Amherst.

CHORUS MEMBERS NEEDED FOR SPRING CONCERT: Fantasies and Nightmares, Friday March 13. Music Director Nick Czaplicki says: "Aside from Gilbert & Sullivan pieces, we will be featuring songs from classic musicals including The Wizard of Oz, The Phantom of the Opera, Ragtime, Sweeney Todd, and Man of La Mancha. In addition to solos in the above selections, we will be accepting suggestions for small groups, duets, and solos that go with the theme.  Preference will be given to small groups. If you an idea for a piece but aren’t sure who to ask to sing with, please let me know so I can help work it out!" 

Concert rehearsals will be held 3:30-5:00 pm on Sundays, beginning February 1, with a longer rehearsal, 2-5 pm, on March 8 and a dress rehearsal, 7:00-9:30 pm, on Wednesday, March 11. All singers aged 16 and up are welcome to join the chorus, without audition. If you would like to participate in this concert, write to info@operalytes.com. 

CHORUS MEMBERS NEEDED FOR GILBERT & SULLIVAN'S THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD, April 24, 26, May 1, 3 Music Director: Jaman Dunn-Danger | Lisa Berglund is Stage Director/Producer. Rehearsals for chorus and ensemble numbers will be held 2-3:30 pm Sundays beginning on February 1. After March 13, both principals and chorus will rehearse Sundays 2:00-5:00 pm and Wednesdays 7:00-9:30 pm. There is no rehearsal on Easter Sunday. There will be our usual long daytime rehearsal on Saturday, April 18, and tech/dress rehearsals on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, April 21, 22, 23, 6-10 pm. 

The chorus of Yeomen is arguably Sullivan's most operatic and a treat to sing! If you'd like to join the chorus or for more information, please email info@operalytes.com. 

Auditions for Supporting Roles in Yeomen: February 1 at 5 pm.

We held auditions for Yeomen last spring, but since then, three singers had to withdraw, so we are holding more auditions, right after our first chorus rehearsal on February 1. The available roles are: 

• Leonard Merryl, tenor. One trio and two dialog scenes, plus the character usually disguises himself after his first scene and sings with the chorus. 

• The Lieutenant of the Tower, baritone. One trio, two dialog scenes, frequent recitatives and lines in ensemble numbers. He sings with the chorus in some numbers and has his own solo line in others. 

• Kate, soprano. One quartet and dialog scene, and sings with the chorus. 

If you are interested in auditioning for one of these roles, please email info@operalytes.com no later than Wednesday, January 28. Prepare one verse and chorus of a G&S number, or other opera in English, or lyric Broadway, and bring music for the accompanist. You also should be prepared to read from the libretto. For a copy of the libretto and other information, please visit https://gsarchive.net/yeomen/html/.

Our Mission, Vision and Values

MISSION

Opera-Lytes was founded in 1994 with the mission of staging the works of Gilbert and Sullivan. The company brings light opera, operetta, and classic musical theater to audiences in Western New York through stage performances, concerts, recordings, and educational programs.  

VISION

Opera-Lytes will be a cultural and educational leader in Western New York by preserving the art of operetta and musical theater.

VALUES

Musical Storytelling: We celebrate the universal language of music, the power of the human voice raised in song, and the particular charm, energy, humor, and passion embodied in operetta.

Nourishing Artists: We provide opportunities for both amateur and professional artists to develop and showcase their talents in operetta, a form otherwise under-served in our performance community.

Legacy Building: We work to ensure that the operatic forms and traditions we cherish are enjoyed and nurtured by future generations.

Innovation: We are grounded in artistic tradition while valuing originality in interpretation and practice.

Collaboration:  We share intellectual and creative agency with community stakeholders and partners.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: In our operations and governance, we are committed to a welcoming and respectful environment free of bigotry, discrimination, and barriers to participation.

Stewardship: We treat our financial resources, our artistic heritage, and our community relationships responsibly and with respect.