Albert Bergeret directs Mozart’s "The Impresario" and Gilbert & Sullivan’s "Trial by Jury," two comic one-act operatic masterpieces.

Set in Mozart’s hometown of Salzburg, and peppered with timely references and allusions, "The Impresario" portrays several actors and singers vying for a place in a new company. The process culminates in a vocal duel between high-powered sopranos that is quelled by the hapless impresario and various standers-by.

"Trial by Jury" -- Gilbert and Sullivan’s first collaboration -- is a delicious spoof of a breach of promise trial, a now-forgotten procedure where a man could be sued for withdrawing a proposal of marriage. In the show, the defendant is a roguish playboy, the pretty plaintiff (wearing her wedding dress) flirts shamelessly with the all- male jury, and the amoral judge resolves things with a most unprecedented decision. It premiered at the London Royalty Theatre in

1875 to great acclaim. 

Joining professional opera singers from New York City and Boston in the cast of principal performers are Geneva residents Angela Calabrese, Charles King and Kris Whiteleather.

The chorus for "Trial by Jury" is composed of singers from Geneva, Penn Yan, Ithaca and Rochester including Giorgi Bekauri, Mariami Bekauri, Dave Belding, Susan Belding, Allyn Brand, Holly Bullock, Matthew Craig, Rebecca Frank, Jay Freer, Ruth Freier, Liz Howard, Brendan Kimball, Llewellyn Lafford, Cathy Lawler, Tom McClure, Tim Thomas, Amanda Tourtelette, Lauren Way, Kirby Weimer, and Mary Williams. They have been rehearsing since June, under the direction of Geneva musician, Steven Kane.

The production is presented by American Landmark Festivals in conjunction with the Smith Opera House. Founded by Francis Heilbut in 1973 for the presention of performing arts and cultural events in landmarks of significance, American Landmark Festivals and The Smith Opera House have collaborated in a variety of programs including Mozart’s "Magic Flute," Cadman’s "Sunset Trail," and a special benefit by Metropolitan Opera stars Lucine Amara and Francisco Casanova in 2000.