Bluefield College’s Opera Theatre Ensemble will present a program of scenes from several major operas, Tuesday, April 26 at 7:30 p.m. in Harman Chapel.
Open and free to the public, the Opera Theatre performance will feature scenes from Mozart’s “Marriage of Figaro,” Humperdinck’s “Hansel and Gretel,” Menotti’s “The Telephone,” and Rossini’s hilarious “Duet for Two Cats.”
“This year’s Opera Theatre will feature performances by Bluefield College students and members of the community,” said Dr. Barbara Hudson, director of BC’s Opera Theatre Ensemble, “in a program of comic and serious excerpts from well-known operas.”
The program also will include scenes from Pergolesi’s “Maid as Mistress,” Massenet’s “Herodiade,”and Loesser’s “Guys and Dolls.” All scenes will be performed in English.
Bluefield College’s Opera Theatre is one of the school’s newest additions to the Department of Music. The ensemble provides the opportunity for students and music enthusiasts within the community a chance to learn the art and craft of lyric stage productions. Participants are given the chance to not only develop their singing and acting skills, but also learn through experience what is involved in producing, directing, and staging opera and music theatre performances.
“For many, this is the first opportunity to appear on stage as a costumed character from a particular time period,” said Dr. Hudson, “and also the first opportunity for many to combine singing, acting, and movement on stage.”
In addition, Dr. Hudson added, the Opera Theatre Ensemble brings more awareness to the Bluefield community regarding the contributions that opera and music theatre have made to the arts, while providing opportunities for students to build directing, producing, and performing skills that they may one day use in their own careers.
For more information about the Opera Theatre performance on April 26, visit the Bluefield College web site at bluefield.edu/newsandevents, or contact the BC Public Relations by email at [email protected] or by phone at 276.326.4212.