Retired Music Teachers Return To Opera Stage

October 20, 2008 Contributor

Submitted Article

OSWEGO, NY – The Oswego Opera 30th Anniversary Gala will feature a long awaited performance by three retired music teachers.

From the 1994 Oswego Opera production of Don Pasquale are three maids: Bobbie Palange, Sue Swindells and Rocky Farden.
From the 1994 Oswego Opera production of Don Pasquale are three maids: Bobbie Palange, Sue Swindells and Rocky Farden.

Bobbie Palange, Rocky Farden and Sue Swindells taught together in the Oswego schools and performed together many times in Oswego Opera productions over the years.

“For nearly 15 years, we’ve talked about singing ‘Three Little Maids from School’ from Gilbert and Sullivan’s Mikado,” said Rocky. “Our roles and costumes in Don Pasquale gave us the idea and we just haven’t had the right venue until now.”

In the 1994 production, the three women played the parts of maids and had what they describe as “Minnie Mouse” costumes.

“We were three maids from school,” chimed in Bobbie, who first sang the piece while in high school. “We’ve changed the words a bit to suit our present situation.”

“I’m not so little anymore, but it has been such a hoot to put the piece together for the gala,” laughed Sue.

The 30th anniversary gala will take place on Nov. 1 at the American Foundry in Oswego.

Reservations are $50 and are available by calling 342-1039 or visiting www.oswego.edu/alumni/opera

Deadline for reservations is Oct. 24. missing or outdated ad config

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