Speed Dating Tonight - opera by Michael Ching

Composer and songwriter Michael Ching is best known for his opera, SPEED DATING TONIGHT! With nearly 130 performances since 2013, it is one of the most popular operas of the 21st century. The DVO production is Directed by our Artist in Residence for 2025, Jonathan Stinson.

Since the first production commissioned, produced, and directed by Dean Anthony at the Janiec Opera of the Brevard Music Center, SpDT! has been done over a hundred times. The episodic, inclusive structure of the opera proved very useful during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2021. Brevard commissioned a ZOOM SPEED DATING TONIGHT! which is essentially the same show, but one that concentrates on the daters, de-emphasizing the bar milieu.

AN INTRODUCTION AND ORIENTATION
by Michael Ching (Composer and Librettist)
based on a concept by Dean Anthony

SPEED DATING TONIGHT! is what I call a "new numbers opera." Much of traditional opera is based on musical numbers: arias, duets, ensembles, finales. SpDT! is similarly structured but with some twists. First connecting material such as recitative is minimized. As for the songs and ensembles themselves, most of the material is not gendered and not limited to one vocal type. Even the order of the pieces is up to the producer. The cast needn't be based on a 50/50 gender balance. (It doesn't need to be binary either.) In the over 130 productions the smallest cast has been four and the largest around fifty. The goal is to have one hundred options, with the idea being that you use only the material you want for your cast. Currently there are 95 options--I count a true duet as two options, for example, but a piece with only a couple of response lines, counts as one option.

The opera starts and ends with a frame and premise that isn't varied. At a local pub, the bartender (B), server (M), Dating Coordinator (S or M), and busboy (mute or any voice) get ready for the event and greet the daters as they enter. We are introduced to two nervous characters ("I could just die") and Dater #22 (B). He's got a singing birthday card. The actual speed dating starts and the show ends when everyone has had their song, duet, or trio. There are a few subplots to hold the show together. The finale starts with the server commenting in a Brechtian manner about the event ("Daters are a lot like singers"). Dater #22, a failure so far, gives it one more try, and in a parody of the Pappageno/Pappagena duet, finally finds his true love, a fellow cell phone addict. The daters exit and the bartender and server decide to go have a coffee. Alone, the busboy, dances with their broom.

So, the traditional show requires:
Quinn, Bartender, baritone
Stephanie, Server, mezzo
Kaylee, the Dating Coordinator, soprano or mezzo
Busboy, mute or any voice type (can be cut entirely)
Your group of daters, number completely variable

Michael Ching is also known for BUOSO'S GHOST, a sequel to GIANNI SCHICCHI. Other projects include RSBE, DINNER 4 3, THREE PIGS REMIX, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, ALICE RYLEY, ANNA HUNTER, SLAYING THE DRAGON, CORPS OF DISCOVERY, KING OF THE CLOUDS, OUT OF THE RAIN, LEO, and COMPLETING THE PICTURE. Opera and art song consultant at EC Schirmer Music Publishers. Former Artistic Director of Opera Memphis, 1992-2010.

Solo Exhibit: Marie Rauso’s “The Alchemy of Gilded Perspectives”

The Delaware Valley Opera Center’s Arts Nest proudly presents The Alchemy of Gilded Perspectives, a solo exhibition featuring the radiant work of local artist Marie Rauso. Curated by Jodi Sibilia, the exhibit will be on view from June 1st through September 28th, 2025, with an opening reception on Saturday, June 28th from 1–3 PM. All are welcome to attend.

Through a stunning interplay of light, texture, and emotion, Rauso’s work transforms raw materials—such as crystals, glass, and layered surfaces—into luminous pieces that evoke both inner stillness and sensory delight. Her intuitive creative process results in artwork that is deeply personal yet universally resonant.

This collection explores the quiet power of reflection, the movement of emotion, and the grounding beauty found in everyday textures. With an emphasis on tactile richness and spiritual energy, Rauso’s art offers a space for healing, contemplation, and wonder.

“There’s an aliveness in Marie’s work that’s hard to put into words—it’s felt more than seen. Each piece feels like a quiet conversation between light, movement, and emotion. I’m thrilled to help bring this debut solo show to life and introduce her powerful voice to a wider audience.” —Jodi Sibilia, Curator

Please join us in celebrating Marie Rauso’s debut solo exhibition and the unique energy she brings to the regional art scene.

Exhibit Dates: June 7th – September 28th, 2025

Artists Reception: Saturday, June 28th, 2025 1:00–3:00 PM

Marie Rauso

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DVO Receives New York State Council on the Arts grant award!

We're a New York State Council of the Arts Grantee!!

Delaware Valley Opera's productions and concerts are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

Rehearsal Space Available at DVOC

Rehearsal space is available at the Delaware Valley Opera Center with a maximum rate of $10 per hour!

DVOC is the perfect place to rehearse! Whether your group is small, medium, or large you’ll find a comfortable, affordable, friendly place to rehearse your music, theater or dance productions of every kind.

MAXIMUM Rate of $10 per hr!

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