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

Gilbert & Sullivan's

The Yeomen of the Guard

April 24 & May 1 at 7:30 pm

April 26 & May 3 at 2:00 pm

Amherst Community Church, 77 Washington Hwy, Snyder

https://operalytes.booktix.com

Auditions for Orpheus and Patience will be held on Saturday 16 May, 5-7 pm and Sunday 17 May, 2-4 pm, at Amherst Community Church. To audition, prepare and bring the music for two contrasting pieces from opera, operetta, or classic Broadway, sung in English. You may also be asked to read from the libretto. A pianist will be provided. 

To reserve a day and time to audition, write to info@operalytes.com. Auditioners will be heard in groups of 3 or 4, at 15 minute intervals. 

For Orpheus, we will present the original two-act version, in a new English translation by Steven Daigle. Orpheus, directed by Lisa Berglund (stage) and Ted Smeltz (music), will be staged at St Mary's High School in Lancaster, November 13, 15, 20, and 22, 2027. Patience, directed by Ted Smeltz (stage) and Ciaran Krueger (music), will be staged at Amherst Community Church, April 23, 25 and 30 and May 2, 2027.

Orpheus Major roles
Pluto                   tenor

Jupiter                 baritone/tenor

Orpheus              tenor

Eurydice              soprano

Public Opinion        mezzo

Supporting roles

John Styx    character tenor or baritone

Mercury      tenor or mezzo

Juno             soprano or mezzo

Venus          soprano

Minerva      soprano

Cupid          soprano or mezzo

Diana          soprano

Mars            spoken

Bacchus spoken

Various gods and goddesses (spoken)

For Patience, the roles are:

Colonel Calverley bass

Major Murgatroyd baritone

Duke of Dunstable tenor

Reginald Bunthorne baritone

Archibald Grosvenor baritone

Solicitor mime

Patience soprano

Angela mezzo

Saphir soprano

Ella soprano

Jane contralto

If you would like to join the chorus for either or both shows, and have previously sung with Opera-Lytes, email us with an expression of interest. If you have not sung with Opera-Lytes before, email us so we can schedule a time to hear you. In both cases: info@operalytes.com. 

We will present our winter concert, directed by Nicholas Mark Czaplicki, on February 28, 2027. Information about joining the concert will be posted this fall. 

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.