Crane Opera Ensemble

04/19/2026

The wait is over.
Crane Opera Ensemble’s 2026–2027 season has arrived.

This fall, we present Zach Redler’s “The Falling and the Rising”.

A gripping contemporary opera of sacrifice, memory, and healing. After an explosion in Afghanistan leaves a young soldier suspended between life and death, she journeys through memory, trauma, and the voices of those who love her.

Blending lyric intensity with emotional immediacy, the opera explores service, loss, resilience, and the long path toward recovery. Powerful, haunting, and deeply human, it is a work that speaks to our own moment with unusual force.

November 13–15, 2026

In Spring 2027, we present Händel’s “Semele”.

A dazzling and dangerous tale of ambition, seduction, and ruin.

Drawn into the world of the gods, Semele longs not only for love, but for power, glory, and immortality itself.
What begins as desire quickly becomes obsession, as vanity and divine jealousy set catastrophe into motion.

Sensual, theatrical, and glittering with some of Händel’s most brilliant music, Semele is both intoxicating entertainment and sharp moral drama.

April 16–18, 2027

Two unforgettable women. Two extraordinary journeys. One powerful season.

Audition information to come.

12/02/2025

Auditions for “It’s Complicated…” 🎶

Opera can be complicated, but signing up for an audition isn’t! 😎

📅 Jan 22 & 23 | 4–6 PM
🎹 Pianist provided
🎤 Prepare 2 pieces – at least one opera aria + one foreign language piece

Scan the QR code and grab your audition slot—easy as that!

12/01/2025

The Crane Opera Ensemble is pleased to announce our Spring 2026 production

“IT’S COMPLICATED… Love Lessons from Across Time”

AUDITIONS
🗓️ January 22 & 23
🕓 4:00–6:00 PM
🎹 Pianist provided
📍TBA
Open to All Majors

WHAT TO PREPARE
Bring two contrasting pieces:
• At least one opera aria
• At least one foreign language piece

PERFORMANCES
March 26–29, 2026
Proscenium Theater, Performing Arts Center SUNY Potsdam

Come ready to sing—and to tell a story.

Audition Sign-up details will be posted at a later time.

10/30/2025

10/22/2025

The Proscenium Theatre is buzzing with music and movement as our cast prepares for opening night of “Down in the Valley” by Kurt Weill.

Be part of the excitement — join us for October 30–November 2 at the Performing Arts Center, Proscenium Theater at SUNY Potsdam. Free admission.

Celebrate live performance, storytelling, and student artistry right here in Potsdam.

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10/20/2025

Exciting milestone! Today was the first orchestra rehearsal in the pit, under the baton of Professor Jeanne-Minette Cilliers.

The music of Kurt Weill is coming alive, and we can’t wait to share it with you!

“Down in the Valley” runs Oct 30-Nov 2nd in the Performing Arts Center’s, Proscenium Theater, at SUNY Potsdam. Free admission

10/19/2025

Move-in day! 🚨

We’re in the proscenium theater, and after hours of lifting, building, and teamwork, the set for Down in the Valley is officially standing. 💪🎭

Huge thanks to Josh, Dana, and our amazing production volunteers—this wouldn’t happen without you!

Catch the magic Oct 30–Nov 2 ✨

10/17/2025

✨Sneak peek!✨ Our singers are hard at work bringing movement and life to the stage as we prepare for performances of Kurt Weill’s Down in the Valley.

Every step, every gesture, every beat of the music is coming together—just in time for our shows from October 30 to November 2. 🎶🎭

Join us at SUNY Potsdam’s Proscenium Theater in the Performing Arts Center. Free admission

10/13/2025

✨ The stage is quiet… for now. ✨

We’re in prep mode this week, getting everything ready before the big move-in day next weekend. Soon this empty theater will be filled with lights, music, and your voices! 🎭🎶

👀 An empty theater never stays empty for long…

Join un Oct 30-Nov 2nd for Kurt Weill’s Folk-Opera “Down in the Valley”.