Crane Opera Ensemble to Present Kurt Weill's 'Down in the Valley'
Crane Opera Ensemble at SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music will Present Kurt Weill's 'Down in the Valley' & Selections from 'Street Scene' from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2
Potsdam, NY (10/17/2025) — The award-winning Crane Opera Ensemble at SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music will present Kurt Weill's American folk opera, "Down in the Valley," alongside scenes from the composer's New York City-inspired "Street Scene," in a fall production running from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2.
Evening performances will be offered on Friday, Oct. 31 and Saturday, Nov. 1, both at 7:30 p.m., followed by a matinee on Sunday, Nov. 2, at 3 p.m. All performances will be offered in the Proscenium Theater, located in the Performing Arts Center.
The Crane Opera Ensemble will also offer a special school performance to kick off the production, on Thursday, Oct. 30 at 9:30 a.m., allowing local middle and high school students to experience live opera and musical theatre.
This production is led by music director Jeanne-Minette Cilliers and stage director Chris MacRae, both newly appointed faculty members at SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music.
"The music of Kurt Weill combines a strong pull on our heartstrings with irresistible dance rhythms, which, as embodied by our wonderful vocal and instrumental students, makes for a great night at the Crane Opera!" said Jeanne-Minette Cilliers.
Weill's "Down in the Valley" combines American folk songs and spirituals with operatic storytelling in a poignant tale set in rural Alabama. Paired with scenes from "Street Scene" -- a vivid musical portrait of New York City life -- these works highlight Weill's groundbreaking blend of opera, Broadway and American popular traditions.
Admission is free, and all are welcome to attend. Please note that this production is recommended for audiences age 13 and up. Parental guidance is advised, due to mature themes, including violence and capital punishment.
Audiences near and far can also enjoy the production online -- the Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 performances will be livestreamed on the Crane School of Music YouTube channel at the concert time. To find the link and see other upcoming streaming performances, visit www.potsdam.edu/cranelive.
About the Crane Opera Ensemble:
The award-winning Crane Opera Ensemble is a significant source for opera and music theatre in the North Country region of New York State. The ensemble provides exciting opportunities for students to experience all facets of opera performance and production, through rehearsals, coaching and classes related to performance practices and production techniques. The ensemble's productions have garnered awards from the National Opera Association (2023, 2019, 2018, 2015, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2003), The American Prize (2011, 2017, 2023), and the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (2010). To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu/academics/Crane/opera.
About The Crane School of Music:
Founded in 1886, SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music has a long legacy of excellence in music education and performance. Life at Crane includes an incredible array of more than 300 recitals, lectures and concerts presented by faculty, students and guests each year. The Crane School of Music is the State University of New York's only All-Steinway institution and was one of the first Yamaha Institutions of Excellence. For more information, please visit www.potsdam.edu/crane.
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The Crane Opera Ensemble will present Kurt Weill’s American folk opera, “Down in the Valley,” as well as selections from “Street Scene,” from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2.
SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music
Alexandra Jacobs Wilke, (315) 267-2918, news@potsdam.eduShare this Story
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