BOZEMAN — The pandemic has dealt a rough hand to the arts, but diehard performers say they still manage to find a way to delight audiences.
At MTN, we discovered one way that's unique for Valentine's Day with Intermountain Opera Bozeman singing telegrams.
Michael Sakir, Interim Artistic Director says this year the telegrams are the opera's way of bringing the music to you.
"Our singing telegrams are going to be offered by 15 singers, 6 of which are Montana based. They've all agreed to perform for anyone in the world who wants to hire them. They all have their own set of songs from opera and musical theater that you can ask for online through Zoom, FaceTime or Google Duo. You can hire these guys to sing for the person you love," said Sakir.
Sakir explained one of those singers is Elizabeth Croy who teaches voice at MSU.
"One of her songs is 'When I Kiss You,'" said Sakir. "It's actually written by a Montana native and features lyrics about Montana."
Sakir says it's a treat for the performers to be able to bring their talents to people in some way since they can't be on stage.
"These artists have lost all their work for a year now so it's devastating for them," he said. "So, part of the goal behind these telegrams is to put some money in their pockets as well."
One of those performers is Sean Anderson who joined us live via zoom from his current home in South Carolina to perform a special song for us on Montana This Morning. He is a familiar face on the Bozeman stage, and hopes 2021 will eventually bring him back here to perform live once again for local audiences.
"I miss performing, and I miss Bozeman and all of Montana," he said. "Right now I am thankful to be able to perform the telegrams and bring some joy in that way."
Telegram performances run from Saturday the 6th through Valentine's Day.
Singing Telegrams start at $50 for a personalized performance over the phone. Online video telegrams are offered by Montana artists ($100) and Mainstage Guest Artists ($250). A full list of singers, songs, and more information can be found at www.intermountainopera.org/singing-telegrams [intermountainopera.org].
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Intermountain Opera Bozeman presents singing telegrams
