热点大瓜

Cellist and Western New York native, Adriana Maria Pera joined UB Theatre and Dance in 2022 as Assistant Director of Academic Advisement / Senior Academic Advisor for the College of Arts and Sciences. after a near 10-year career in the Conservatory of Dance at Purchase College, SUNY. Adriana brings expertise as a teacher, advisor and curricular designer into her role to better serve the faculty and students.  

Pera received a Bachelor of Music from the University at Buffalo, Master of Music from the University of Toronto. Doctoral studies at the University of Toronto were with David Hetherington of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and she has an Artist Diploma from Purchase College. When she’s not busy guiding the next generation of artists through their college careers, Adriana enjoys an active career as a cellist and amateur aerialist.

1. You have a MusB from UB, plus a Master of Music degree from the University of Toronto, so obviously music is a big part of your life. How did you come to be involved as the cellist for "The Pajama Game?" 

I’ve worked with the music director, Matthew Marco on several occasions at UB and with Buffalo Opera Unlimited where he is the artistic director.

2. With 20 musicians in the orchestra pit, the size and skill of the live orchestra for "The Pajama Game" strikes me as unique/unusual among Buffalo theaters, as even touring Broadway productions may have as few as six musicians due to the expense. Is this also your sense of it, and can you expand on how this makes THD's production unique and / or special? 

Yes, this is a big orchestra! Some Broadway shows still utilize large orchestras, but you’re right about the cost. It’s much cheaper to load all the instruments into a computer, plug it into a keyboard and press go. But for these students who are constantly developing their skills, the opportunity to interact with a group this large is invaluable.  

3. Did you ever hope or intend to be a full-time musician? Tell us about some of your other favorite experiences as a performer and with whom? When did you first take up academic advisement? 

Prior to moving back to Buffalo in 2022, I was a full-time musician. For many years I had a robust freelance career in the greater New York City area as a performer and educator. In addition to this, I was also working in higher education as an arts administrator and continue to do so 14 years later. Many jobs – that’s the life of a full-time musician!  Music has taken me all over the world: Asia, Europe, Canada. Each of these experiences has been an EXPERIENCE! 

4. What do you feel is the most challenging aspect of learning and performing the songs in this show for the orchestra? 

I wouldn’t say it’s challenging at all! We are professionals, we learn the notes and deliver the best we can each show. The hardest part is staying awake after 9pm! It’s a pleasure to see my students on stage instead of in my office. Matthew is very easy to work with and makes the experience very enjoyable.  

5. What would be your 'quick pitch' to potential patrons about why they should come to see (and hear) the show? 

While I can’t see the stage from the pit, the reactions from the audience are filled with laughter. So, if you’re looking for a fun night out to support the university, this is a good ticket! The music is pretty good too!