This past weekend, Opera Memphis performed Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro with the PRIZM Chamber Orchestra, a new ensemble “with members chosen to reflect the demographic diversity of the city’s residents,” writes Elle Perry on Friday (11/4) at High Ground News (Memphis). The PRIZM Chamber Orchestra is part of PRIZM Ensemble, founded twelve years ago and active in music education in Memphis. “PRIZM Ensemble founder Lecolion Washington was inspired by the diversity of Opera Memphis’ 2015 production of ‘The Magic Flute’ and began a series of discussions on how to create high quality art while continuing to support the nonprofit’s core values of diversity, opportunity, and access…. At 31 members, PRIZM Chamber Orchestra is the largest group of musicians that PRIZM Ensemble has ever put together…. [Opera Memphis General Director Ned] Canty said that Opera Memphis hopes to do another opera with the orchestra during PRIZM’s musical festival next summer.” Washington notes further plans for orchestra members to participate in PRIZM Ensemble’s youth development programs. “Representation is very important to a young person. We as parents, educators, and leaders have an obligation to create opportunities for young people to see adults who look like them doing amazing things.”
Posted November 7, 2016
