The public is invited to attend two Opera “scenes” performances on the Hardin-Simmons University campus Friday, November 16 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 18 at 2:00 p.m. Students will perform in the Woodward-Dellis Recital Hall and performances are free and open to the public.

The Fall scenes performances give students opportunities to learn a basic stagecraft skill set, while the audience is treated to smorgasbord of delightful operatic highlights. Students work with character development, stage movement, train in varied operatic genres, periods and styles, and work on ensemble skills. The scenes format also gives all students an opportunity to be soloists; desirable in a complete musical education.

This year’s attendees will enjoy:

“Suoni la tromba, intrepido” from Vincenzo Bellini’s I Puritani
Presentation of the Rose scene from Richard Strauss” Der Rosenkavalier
“Matchmaker” from Harnick and Bock’s The Fiddler on the Roof
“Try We Lifelong” from Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Gondoliers
“Now for the Pirate Lair” from gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance
“Thine Own True Knight” from Ralph-Von Williams’ Sir John in Love
“Wie, wie wie” from W. A. Mozart’s Die Zauberfloete

Director Dr. William Mouat is thrilled with the talent he brings to the stage this year and believes the audience will enjoy the thrill of a close-up, live performance by students at the beginning of their singing careers. He likens it to a college football game versus a professional game “more unpredictable, and a little more exciting.” He feels the little known excerpt by Bellini may surprise opera-goers, “I have two very good low male voices this year; the “Souni la tromba” may be a show-stopper.”