Opera Steamboat’s ‘All Is Calm’ Brings Music, Memory, and Wartime Peace
Opera Steamboat’s presentation of “All Is Calm” at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in December offers the Yampa Valley a rare opportunity to experience a remarkable historical moment. The production, written by Peter Rothstein with vocal arrangements by Erick Lichte and Timothy C. Takach, takes the audience back to the 1914 Christmas Truce during the early days of World War I. In this extraordinary event, soldiers from opposing sides laid down their weapons and shared a brief moment of humanity.
The Story of the Christmas Truce
In December 1914, as World War I was underway, soldiers from Germany, Britain, and France found common ground during the Christmas season. Despite the violence surrounding them, they exchanged greetings, sang carols, and even played football together. This spontaneous moment of peace serves as the heart of the “All Is Calm” production.
“It is incredibly relevant to the world we live in today,” said Julie Maykowski, General Director of Opera Steamboat. “There is more that unites us than divides us.”
Relevance to Today’s World
For Julie Maykowski, bringing this production to Steamboat Springs represents a chance to showcase an important message of unity. “That was really what drew me to it,” she added. Maykowski's vision for Opera Steamboat has always been to make opera more accessible, particularly to those who might find traditional performances overwhelming. “All Is Calm” offers a compelling and approachable way for new audiences to experience the power of opera.
Opera Steamboat’s Vision and Challenges
Since joining Opera Steamboat, Maykowski has faced challenges shared by opera companies nationwide, especially in terms of engaging newer, younger audiences. Traditional opera performances, while beloved by seasoned opera-goers, can sometimes feel daunting or inaccessible to those unfamiliar with the genre. “All Is Calm” is a perfect example of how the company seeks to break down these barriers.
Conclusion
Opera Steamboat’s upcoming production of “All Is Calm” provides not only a reflection on a historical event but also a timely reminder of the importance of peace, unity, and shared humanity in the face of conflict.
Author's Summary: Opera Steamboat’s presentation of “All Is Calm” invites audiences to reflect on the 1914 Christmas Truce, highlighting a message of unity and shared humanity during wartime.