Located at a sharp bend of the Missouri River the town of Glasgow early in its history was a busy steamboat port. In the 1860's it was touched by violence and bloodshed during the Civil War. In 1879, it became the site of the world's first steel bridge. On June 10, it was the latest stop for the Discovery Expedition on their real time re-enactment of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Take a tour of historic Glasgow and view footage of this week on the river. Today's feature focus takes a look at Corps of Discovery: A Musical Journey, an opera developed at the University of Missouri's School of Music, Show-Me Opera Company, and the Department of Theatre. Learn about this exciting new work with a member of the original company.
Contents of the Broadcast:
1. Opening to 2:58--Introduction, welcome, orientation to today's location and feature focus
2. 2:58 to 27:10--This Week on the River is highlighted with Scott Mandrell, who portrays Meriwether Lewis for the Discovery Expedition. Scott discusses events of the original expedition in the area and shares events of the previous week of the re-enactment. Video footage of the last week on the river is included as is footage of today's webcast location, Glasgow, Missouri.
3. 27:19 to 42:15--This week's feature focus takes a closer look at Corps of Discovery: A Musical Journey, a new opera developed for the bicentennial by the Show-Me Opera Company at the University of Missouri. The opera had its premiere performance at the University of Virginia as part of the Monticello National Bicentennial Signature Event. Its professional premiere occurred this spring at Opera Memphis. Composer Michael Ching and librettist Hugh Moffat have created a stirring work commemorating the people and events of the expedition. We are joined today by Alicia Miles, who portrayed Sacagawea in the inaugural and professional debut productions. She talks about the content and music of the show, how it was created, and her role as Sacagawea. Included are video clips and music excerpts from the production.
4. 42:15 to End--Our closing segment includes questions from members of the audience, closing comments, thanks and goodbye. After the closing credits, listen to the voice of Alicia Miles as she sings an excerpt from Corps of Discovery: A Musical Journey.
