UMass opera, orchestra team up for upcoming show

AMHERST — An innovative performance will take to the stage in Tillis Hall when the UMass Amherst Opera and UMass Symphony Orchestra present “Fairy Tales and Magic in Opera” on Sunday, March 9, at 3:30 p.m.

The full UMass Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Gonzalo Hidalgo Ardila, will support a cast of talented singers in a performance of semi-staged scenes from some of the most famous magical operas of all time. The production will include excerpts and arias from “The Magic Flute” and “Don Giovanni” (Mozart), “Hansel and Gretel” (Humperdinck), “Rusalka” (Dvořák), “Turandot” (Puccini), and two different versions of Cinderella — Rossini’s “Cenerentola” and Massenet’s “Cendrillon.”

The orchestra will be showcased with three instrumental pieces — the “Overture from Hansel and Gretel,” the “Entr’acte from Carmen” (Bizet), and “Méditation,” from Thaïs (Massenet).

The opera program at UMass is under the direction of Marjorie Melnick, who is on sabbatical this semester but taught much of the musical pieces to the cast in the fall. Helping to bring the magic to life will be stage director Nathan Troupe who returns to campus from his role with Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Professors William Hite and Jamie-Rose Guarrinne, both of whom have considerable opera experience themselves, are producing the show.

Online Ticketing or call the Box Office at 413-545-2511.

HCC to host ‘Fresh Check Day’ to promote mental health

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College will host a day dedicated to promoting mental health and wellness on Tuesday, March 11.

“Fresh Check Day” will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Campus Center cafeteria.

This innovative program, developed by the Connecticut-based Jordan Porco Foundation, is designed to bring together the campus community to “check in” on the mental health and wellness of college students. The event is free and open to all.

Organized by HCC’s Office of Community Standards and Wellbeing, in partnership with other campus departments and student volunteers, Fresh Check Day will transform the HCC cafeteria into a expo-like setting with interactive exhibits, food prizes, and giveaways.

Highlights include interactive exhibits and activities designed to educate and engage students on mental health topics, such as stress management, anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention; community engagement opportunities where students can connect with their peers and to campus resources in a positive, community-focused environment; and prizes and giveaways.

Granby Library to Host photo exhibit

GRANBY — Professional photographer Stephanie Granger, known for contributions to the Granby community, will host an exhibit at the Granby Public Library, 297 East State St., that encapsulates the emotive and prolific metamorphosis from winter to spring.

The exhibit will run during open library hours through 29th in the Virginia P. Snopek Community Room. A reception will be held on the evening of March 20.

Granger’s notable achievements include revitalizing the Friends of Granby Parks and Recreation in 2023 and orchestrating the inaugural Trick or Treat Movie in the Park event at Dufresne Park. Additionally, she has served on the Granby Free Public Library’s Board of Library Trustees.

For more information, visit granbylibrary.org or call 413-467-3320.