Franklin (MA) Matters

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Jon Mitchell, composer of the Chamber opera, Mary Anning, Fossil Hunter. Timothy Ayres-Kerr, joins us for the discussion on the origin of this opera and its scheduled performance in Grafton on April 5. Tim will play the role of William Buckland. We find out that he did not prepare for this by eating “mice on toast.” He does share some vocal insights on this role, his preparation and the history of opera in America in the course of our conversation.We met to record this conversation in the Franklin TV & Radio studios on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.  We talk about Origin story, cast of historical characters, chamber opera in 2 actsClaflin Hill performance at the Apple Tree Arts Center in GraftonAdditions & changes to the performance, only 1 of the original cast unable to returnDean College Vocal Ensembles to join as the chorusThe conversation runs about 42 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jon and Tim--------------Jon