Sotto Voce

### Context Profile for Sotto Voce

1. **Organization Mission & Cause**:
   - **Mission**: Sotto Voce is dedicated to celebrating the power of the human voice and fostering collaboration across artistic disciplines. The organization aims to present music drama in innovative performance contexts, featuring a repertoire that includes both canonical and new dramatic vocal works. Sotto Voce emphasizes the inclusion of regional and national talent in its performances.
   - **Cause**: The organization operates as a collectively run opera company based in Buffalo, NY, focusing on making opera accessible and engaging through creative and diverse programming.

2. **Type of Activities**:
   - **Events**: Sotto Voce hosts various performances, including operatic scenes and original short films. Their events often include a gala, such as the "Sotto Voce Fall 2025 Gala," which supports upcoming productions.
   - **Fundraising Campaigns**: The gala serves as a significant fundraising event, with proceeds supporting future productions and artist fees. They also conduct silent auctions and offer underwriting opportunities.
   - **Community Programs**: While specific community programs are not detailed on the website, the emphasis on collaboration suggests potential outreach and educational initiatives.

3. **Tone of Voice**:
   - The tone of Sotto Voce's communications is **friendly**, **inspiring**, and **professional**. The language is engaging and accessible, aiming to connect with a broad audience while maintaining a level of artistic sophistication. The use of strong, affirmative statements in their event descriptions conveys enthusiasm and passion for the arts.

4. **Emoji Usage**:
   - The website and email communications do not prominently feature emojis. The tone remains formal and professional, focusing on clear and impactful language rather than casual or playful elements.

5. **Key Facts**:
   - **Founding Info**: Specific founding details are not provided on the website.
   - **Scale**: Sotto Voce has conducted a total of 10 forms and 16 email campaigns, indicating a structured approach to engagement and outreach.
   - **Impact Metrics**: The organization highlights its commitment to supporting artists and innovative productions, though specific metrics are not detailed.
   - **Volunteer Info**: There is no explicit mention of volunteer opportunities on the website, but the collaborative nature of the organization suggests potential for community involvement.

6. **Writing Guidelines**:
   - **Style**: Use a friendly yet professional tone that reflects enthusiasm for the arts. 
   - **Language**: Favor clear, engaging language that emphasizes the impact of the organization’s work and the importance of community support.
   - **Structure**: Organize content logically, using headings and bullet points where appropriate to enhance readability. Highlight key events and initiatives prominently.
   - **Call to Action**: Include strong calls to action that encourage support, attendance at events, and engagement with the organization.

This context profile serves as a comprehensive guide for crafting personalized and effective content for Sotto Voce, ensuring alignment with their mission, tone, and activities.

Provides admission to "Grit & Silk" concert and reception.

General Admission

Provides admission to "Grit & Silk" AND July 26th "K-Life Unplugged" (at Unitarian Universalist Church of Buffalo), concerts and receptions.

Two-Day Pass

Your gift helps us to purchase specialized costume pieces that help bring this show to life!

Includes TWO (2) Tickets, Half-Page Black & White Advertisement if desired.

Production Design Sponsor

Your gift provides support for the post-performance reception, a valued opportunity for cross-cultural exchange with Sotto Voce, Studio frische Klänge, Avanti!, and international guest artists.

Includes FOUR (4) Tickets, Full-Page Black & White Advertisement if desired.

Reception Sponsor

Your gift supports the creation and presentation of choreography and movement to elevate this classic tale of family, forgiveness and redemption.

Includes SIX (6) Tickets, Full-Page Color Advertisement (subject to availability) if desired.

Choreography & Movement Sponsor

Your gift supports the performances of our dedicated vocal artists.

Includes EIGHT (8) Tickets, Full-Page Color Advertisement (subject to availability), and a piece of Sotto Voce memorabilia signed by our Artists.

Vocal Artists Sponsor

Your gift allows us to present opera nouveau of the highest artistic caliber to Buffalo and Western New York audiences.

Includes TEN (10) Tickets, Back Cover Color Advertisement (subject to availability), a piece of Sotto Voce memorabilia signed by our Artists, and behind-the-scenes access to our production, if desired.

Opera Nouveau Sponsor

Sotto Voce and visiting Korean instrumentalist Ji Eun Kim of Studio frische Kl&auml;nge present &quot;Grit and Silk: The Voices of the Gayageum and Debussy.&quot; This program brings together traditional Korean music and French opera to tell a story about the challenges of self-discovery and the healing power of unconditional love. The performance will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025 at 7pm at Calvary Episcopal Church in Williamsville. The Gayageum The gayageum is a traditional Korean plucked zither known for its refined beauty and its ability to express both the sorrow and resilience of the Korean people. Music played on the gayageum pairs wonderfully with Debussy&#39;s unique compositional language, which, already in early works such as&nbsp;L&#39;enfant prodigue, suggests his later empathy with Eastern musics. <span fr-original-style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;" id="isPasted" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; float: none; display: inline !important; box-sizing: inherit;">Three pieces featuring different styles of gayageum music&mdash;played on both traditional 12-string and modernized 25-string versions&mdash;will be performed by Studio frische Kl&auml;nge&rsquo;s Ji Eun Kim. The performance will be accompanied by dance and pantomime, and paired with Debussy&rsquo;s art songs.<span fr-original-style="color: rgb(4, 50, 255); font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;" id="isPasted" style="color: rgb(4, 50, 255); font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; float: none; display: inline !important; box-sizing: inherit;">&nbsp;These elements will come together in the first half of the evening to form a &quot;Prelude&quot; that elaborates upon the Prodigal Son&#39;s journey and highlights the power of motherly empathy and non-judgement. Debussy&rsquo;s L&rsquo;enfant prodigue (The Prodigal Son) The centerpiece of this event will be Claude Debussy&rsquo;s 30-minute opera,&nbsp;L&rsquo;enfant prodigue (The Prodigal Son). This opera tells the biblical parable of a seemingly &ldquo;lost&rdquo; son returning home to the forgiveness of his parents. Sotto Voce&rsquo;s unique framing of this beautiful yet rarely heard work will include the aforementioned Prelude, as well as original dances - choreographed by University at Buffalo&rsquo;s Kerry Ring, and sublime lighting of Calvary Episcopal&#39;s intimate sanctuary. The cast - featuring Beth White as the mother (Second Lady, Alisa) and Tyler Huk as the son (Tamino, Normanno)&nbsp;-&nbsp;will be accompanied by Avanti Music&rsquo;s chamber orchestra, conducted by Mason Cancilla. The haunting sound of the gayageum will also be heard again in uncanny interjections within the opera itself. Reception The evening of music will be followed by a reception featuring French-Korean fusion food. FEATURED ARTISTS Sotto VoceBeth White - <span fr-original-style="color: rgb(32, 33, 34); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;" id="isPasted" style="color: rgb(32, 33, 34); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; float: none; display: inline !important; box-sizing: inherit;">Lia, the motherTyler Huk - <span fr-original-style="color: rgb(32, 33, 34); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;" id="isPasted" style="color: rgb(32, 33, 34); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; float: none; display: inline !important; box-sizing: inherit;">Aza&euml;l, the sonTBA - <span fr-original-style="color: rgb(32, 33, 34); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;" id="isPasted" style="color: rgb(32, 33, 34); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; float: none; display: inline !important; box-sizing: inherit;">Sim&eacute;on, the father Jamie Gangemi - Light AngelKy Ver Hoef - Dark Angel Jessie Downs - Artistic Director/ ProducerAlex Huddleston - lighting Studio frische Kl&auml;ngeJi Eun Kim - gayageumSu Lee - Producer Avanti MusicMason Cancilla - conductorTBA - fluteTBA - clarinetTBA - hornTBA - violin 1TBA - violin 2TBA - violaTBA - celloTBA - contrabassTBA - piano w/ guest oboist, Megan Kyle DancersKerry Ring - Choreographer<span fr-original-style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Roboto; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0.25px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;" id="isPasted" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Roboto; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0.25px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; float: none; display: inline !important; box-sizing: inherit;">TBA - dancers

Hi <span contenteditable="false" data-custom-variable="{{firstname}}" fr-original-class="fr-deletable styled-tag-chip" fr-original-style="" style="background-color: rgb(248, 248, 255); border: 1px solid rgb(191, 191, 255); border-radius: 4px; color: rgb(42, 42, 196); padding: 1px 8px; font-size: 11px; display: inline-block; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: anywhere; user-select: none; box-sizing: inherit;">First name, Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for purchasing a ticket or tickets to Sotto Voce and Studio frische Klange&#39;s upcoming collaborative concert &quot;Grit and Silk: the Voices of the Gayageum and Debussy.&quot; &nbsp;Through this purchase, you are helping to make possible innovative, collectively-run opera productions in your community! If you would like to contribute further, you can contact us about becoming a volunteer, talk to your friends about our events, or consider making a donation through our website - <a fr-original-style="" href="https://sottovocevocalcollective.com/donate/!" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">https://sottovocevocalcollective.com/donate/!</a>&nbsp; Be sure to also check out the sister event in this series, &quot;K-Life Unplugged: an evening of new works,&quot; which will be held at the UU Church of Buffalo on Saturday July 26th at 7pm. Use the discount code &quot;2FOR50&quot; to get $10 off your purchase!<p fr-original-style="width:100%;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:inherit;color:rgb(15, 14, 91);" style="width: 100%; margin: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(15, 14, 91); line-height: 1.5;"> We really look forward to sharing these unique events with you!Thanks so much again for your support,Jessie DownsArtistic Director, Sotto Voce+Su LeeArtistic Director, Studio frische Klange

Sotto Voce and visiting Korean instrumentalist Ji Eun Kim of Studio frische Klänge present "Grit and Silk: The Voices of the Gayageum and Debussy." This program brings together traditional Korean music and French opera to tell a story about the challenges of self-discovery and the healing power of unconditional love. The performance will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025 at 7pm at Calvary Episcopal Church in Williamsville. The Gayageum The gayageum is a traditional Korean plucked zither known for its refined beauty and its ability to express both the sorrow and resilience of the Korean people. Music played on the gayageum pairs wonderfully with Debussy's unique compositional language, which, already in early works such as L'enfant prodigue, suggests his later empathy with Eastern musics. Three pieces featuring different styles of gayageum music—played on both traditional 12-string and modernized 25-string versions—will be performed by Studio frische Klänge’s Ji Eun Kim. The performance will be accompanied by dance and pantomime, and paired with Debussy’s art songs. These elements will come together in the first half of the evening to form a "Prelude" that elaborates upon the Prodigal Son's journey and highlights the power of motherly empathy and non-judgement. Debussy’s L’enfant prodigue (The Prodigal Son) The centerpiece of this event will be Claude Debussy’s 30-minute opera, L’enfant prodigue (The Prodigal Son). This opera tells the biblical parable of a seemingly “lost” son returning home to the forgiveness of his parents. Sotto Voce’s unique framing of this beautiful yet rarely heard work will include the aforementioned Prelude, as well as original dances - choreographed by University at Buffalo’s Kerry Ring, and sublime lighting of Calvary Episcopal's intimate sanctuary. The cast - featuring Beth White as the mother (Second Lady, Alisa) and Tyler Huk as the son (Tamino, Normanno) - will be accompanied by Avanti Music’s chamber orchestra, conducted by Mason Cancilla. The haunting sound of the gayageum will also be heard again in uncanny interjections within the opera itself. Reception The evening of music will be followed by a reception featuring French-Korean fusion food. FEATURED ARTISTS Sotto VoceBeth White - Lia, the motherTyler Huk - Azaël, the sonTBA - Siméon, the father Jamie Gangemi - Light AngelKy Ver Hoef - Dark Angel Jessie Downs - Artistic Director/ ProducerAlex Huddleston - lighting Studio frische KlängeJi Eun Kim - gayageumSu Lee - Producer Avanti MusicMason Cancilla - conductorTBA - fluteTBA - clarinetTBA - hornTBA - violin 1TBA - violin 2TBA - violaTBA - celloTBA - contrabassTBA - piano w/ guest oboist, Megan Kyle DancersKerry Ring - ChoreographerTBA - dancers

Sotto Voce

Grit and Silk: the Voices of the Gayageum and Debussy

20 Milton St

General Admission

$30

Two-Day Pass

$50

Production Design Sponsor

$250

Reception Sponsor

$500

Choreography & Movement Sponsor

$1,000

Vocal Artists Sponsor

$2,500

Opera Nouveau Sponsor

$5,000

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