The spooky history of Sandpoint

If you want a unique way to spend Halloween, look no further than the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint.  

"Our Bel Canto Opera has an exceptional treat prepared for an unassuming audience," said conservatory's founder and Executive Director Karin Wedemeyer, who explains that Bel Canto Opera is part of the Music Conservatory’s opera program that brings professionals and students together. “It holds its own mission by reimaging the art of opera to attract and excite the next generation of potential opera lovers.” 

Through its performance “Finger Food,” an Opera Macabre, they will introduce you to one of Sandpoint’s oldest residents, Olivia Dahl. Olivia was a singer who performed for Sandpoint audiences over 100 years ago.  

Those at the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint were first introduced to Olivia several years ago by Nancy Renk, a local historian. Renk shared with Karin that theirs was not the first conservatory of its kind in Sandpoint.  

“Nancy pointed out the existence of a conservatory in Sandpoint dating back to 1908,” said Wedemeyer. “Interestingly, and absolutely intriguing to us, was that one of the early concert participants was a Norwegian opera singer, Olivia Dahl.” 

After learning of the former conservatory's existence, Wedemeyer was told that the original announcement of the opening had been preserved in a framed document and discovered at an estate sale.  

Karin shares that Olivia Dahl provided a rare recital of Bel Canto Arias for the opening.  

“As an opera singer, I find this astonishing,” said Karin, who believes Olivia's ghost still seems to be present at the conservatory. 

Finger Food will include a creepy buffet, sure to send shivers down your spine. The different eras of music, including some classical and other genres used to tell the spooky story, will share the unique story of Oliva. 

"We fell in love with this story," said Wedemeyer, who will direct the students and professional singers taking part in the performance. "Our opera is a little about storytelling and about offering a unique opportunity to learn more about some of Sandpoint's unique history through opera."  

There are two performances of “Finger Food — Olivia's Lament.” Both performances will be at 7 p.m., the first on Saturday, Oct. 26, and also on Sunday, Oct. 27. The cost for adults is $25, and the cost of admission for students is $15. They are available online at sandpointconservatory.org.  

Both performances will take place at the haunted Music Conservatory of Sandpoint, 110 Main St., Sandpoint. If you see Olivia roaming the halls, be assured she is showing up for what promises to be a wonderful performance.

    If you want a unique way to spend Halloween, look no further than the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint as MCS' Bel Canto Opera program presents "Finger Food – Olivia’s Lament".
  

    A spooky scene outside the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint's Bel Canto Opera program presents "Finger Food – Olivia’s Lament".