‘Bohème in the Heights’ Featuring Conservatory Choirs Released

Washington, D.C.-based opera company IN Series released the digital version of “Bohème in the Heights,” a ground-breaking reimagining of Puccini’s “La Bohème,” featuring the Conservatory Choir, Cantus Singers and Shenandoah Voices, last month.

Members of the Conservatory Choir sing throughout all of act two which runs from 31:20-49:00. Cantus Singers and Shenandoah Voices join in for the final chorus during the last few minutes.

Visit invision.inseries.org/productions/boheme-in-the-heights to learn more and watch the production.

During the Spring 2021 semester, Conservatory Choir members rehearsed in small, distanced periods for short amounts of time. Then, with the aid of click tracks, the pre-recorded piano track and some pre-recorded solo voices, the ensemble recorded all of the choral parts.

“We usually only recorded a few voices at a time (a group of street vendors, a group of kids running around, etc.),” said Associate Professor of Voice and Director of Choral Activities Matt Oltman, D.M.A. “Then everything was layered. Some of it was done on our end with the help of the amazing music production & recording technology students that sing in the Conservatory Choir, and the rest was done by IN Series.”

“We were able to purchase the most essential pieces of equipment in order to turn Goodson Chapel – Recital Hall into an ad hoc, COVID-19-safe recording space,” continued Dr. Oltman. “We are still using that equipment to host Zoom rehearsals with composers and other guests, producing an easier, higher quality experience for students.”

Visit www.su.edu/blog/2021/11/05/conservatory-choir-collaborates-with-in-series-for-boheme-in-the-heights/ to learn more about the project.