Quote by Ron Rash
Western Carolina University (WCU) Bardo Arts Center (BAC), invites you to Shelton Laurel: An Appalachian Opera on Saturday, Jan. 24 at 7:30 p.m. This performance is an opportunity for the community to experience the world premiere of a new work written by WCU professor and composer, Dr. Damon Sink.
The production explores the tragic hardships faced by settlers in Western North Carolina during the time of the American Civil War. Set in rural Madison County, the opera’s story is a powerful account of families torn by fear, mistrust, and violence, and of the transformative power of community. Inspired by the poetry and prose of Ron Rash and based, in part, on contemporary accounts of the Shelton Laurel massacre, Shelton Laurel gives voice to an important and difficult reality of Appalachian Civil War history. Shelton Laurel is a haunting meditation on loyalty, survival, and the brutal consequences of civil conflict. The work was created in and for Western North Carolina by artists who are honored to share one of the region’s most challenging and meaningful chapters of history.
“I am truly thrilled by the opportunity to present this new work, and to have the privilege of its premiere here in western North Carolina. The creative and production process that has seen Shelton Laurel come to life on stage has been exceptionally rewarding, and I am so grateful to my colleagues at Western and to University leadership for their talent, collaborative spirit, and material support.” – Dr. Damon Sink
Shelton Laurel: An Appalachian Opera is an entirely WCU-created production, led by a creative team from the WCU School of Music. The opera is composed by Dr. Damon Sink, directed by Dr. Isaiah Feken, and conducted by Dr. Margaret Underwood. Shelton Laurel showcases the exceptional talent of WCU’s student and faculty musicians and vocalists, along with community members, and the dazzling talents of guest artists Audrey Welsh (mezzo-soprano), Jake Surzin (baritone), and Dominic Armstrong (tenor).
Don’t miss your chance to experience the world premiere of this moving new opera created right here in Western North Carolina. Tickets are available now at arts.wcu.edu/tickets. Secure your seats early for this one-night-only performance of Shelton Laurel: An Appalachian Opera. Before the show, stop by City Lights Bookstore in Sylva, NC, for a book sale and signing by Ron Rash from 6:30 to 7:15 pm.
Doors open at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24, and the show starts at 7:30 pm. The Box Office is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm and on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Patrons can purchase tickets online 24/7 at arts.wcu.edu/tickets. Don’t forget to visit the WCU Fine Art Museum at Bardo Arts Center and BAC Concessions, open one hour before the performance. Shelton Laurel: An Appalachian Opera is sponsored in part by the WCU Campus Theme Committee – WNC Mountain Life.
WCU’s John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center
The John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at Western Carolina University opened in 2005 and serves as the cultural catalyst for the creative arts in the WNC region. BAC is home to the WCU Fine Art Museum and BAC Performance Hall. The accredited WCU Fine Art Museum holds four galleries, a growing permanent collection of contemporary art, and rotating exhibitions highlighting regional, national, and international artists. The BAC Performance Hall provides the campus and community access to internationally acclaimed artists and regional favorites.
Dr. Damon Sink
Dr. Sink teaches music theory, composition, and commercial music courses in the School of Music and serves as the Music Core coordinator for theory, aural skills, and class piano. In addition to his creative work as a composer, Dr. Sink is active in other areas of media production, advertising, video, film, and classical and jazz recording. He lives in Cullowhee.
Dr. Isaiah Feken
A former Patricia and Dr. Carl S Hoveland Opera Fellow, Isaiah Feken is a sought-after teacher and performer across the U.S. Isaiah has appeared with Central City Opera, Des Moines Metropolitan Opera, Des Moines Ballet, Crested Butte Music Festival, Pittsburgh Festival Opera, Athens Choral Society, and was an artist in residence with Opera Colorado for their 19-20 and 20-21 seasons.
Dr. Margaret Underwood
Dr. Margaret Underwood is Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Music at Western Carolina University, where she conducts the Wind Ensemble, guides all aspects of the wind bands, and teaches courses in music education.