A talented group of Cameron University vocal students will present “The Magic of Mozart: An Evening of Comedy, Romance and Magic from Mozart's Most Beloved Operas” on Thursday, November 13, at 7:30 p.m. in the McCutcheon Recital Hall. The program will feature scenes and arias from “Le Nozze di Figaro,” “Così fan tutte,” “Don Giovanni,” “Die Zauberflöte” and “Bastien und Bastienne” in the original languages, with subtitles.
Tickets purchased at the door are $10 for adults and $8 for senior citizens, members of the military and non-CU students. Cameron University students, faculty and staff receive one free admission with their CU I.D. Tickets can be reserved by calling the box office at 580-581-2346. Tickets can also be purchased in advance online at https://www.cameron.edu/art-music-and-theatre/events/buy-tickets. (Taxes and processing fees apply.)
“This is one of the best opera workshops I can remember,” says Dr. Christian Morren, assistant professor of music. “The level of singing and commitment to excellence is better than ever. Our faculty have guided these students in finding both the humor and beauty in Mozart's music, and the students have truly stepped up to the plate to bring a fun and entertaining evening to our audience.”
Under Morren’s direction, the production showcases Mozart's humor, lyricism and emotional depth, which are brought to life by a talented cast of Cameron voice students. Mariah Baggs, Cache, and Divina D'Haiti, Kirstin Dunn, Emily Gill, Winston Hartley, Mvnte July, Kaitlan Kaulaity, Alex Miller, Victoria Moody, Alyssa Price, and Lillie Wright, all of Lawton, will demonstrate their vocal prowess. Dr. Greg Hoepfner will provide accompaniment on piano.
Morren has collaborated with faculty members Hoepfner, Doris Lambert and Khalil Cabrera-Tosado to prepare the students for this performance.
“The team has worked closely with the students to teach the language, nuance and artistry of Mozart's vocal style,” she says. “The students are performing each scene in the original language (Italian and German), with English subtitles projected for full audience understanding.”
The concert will feature beloved favorites such as "Non più andrai," “Deh vieni non tardar," “Voi che sapete," “Soave sia il vento," “Pa-pa-pa," and the iconic "Queen of the Night" aria.
“Though composed more than two centuries ago, Mozart's operas continue to resonate with modern audiences.” Morren says. “His stories of love, jealousy, forgiveness and the triumph of good over folly remind us that human emotion transcends time. The humor, charm and moral insight in Mozart's works are as relevant today as when they were first performed.”
CU’s annual opera workshop provides students with hands-on experience in operatic singing, stage movement and character study. The workshop presents both scene programs and fully staged productions, preparing students for professional and educational careers in the performing arts. By producing nearly every part of the production — from stage design, costumes, and movement to translations and lighting —the students gain a deep understanding of the many elements that bring opera to life.
“The Opera Workshop exists today because of the vision and generosity of the Southwest Oklahoma Opera Guild, a group of passionate individuals who believed that opera should have a home in southwest Oklahoma,” Morren says. “Their foresight and love for the arts created opportunities that continue to inspire our students and community. Many of those supporters are still investing in the arts today, and we are deeply grateful for their continued dedication. Thanks to their commitment and the establishment of an endowment, opera remains alive and thriving at Cameron University, impacting generations to come.”
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PR# 25-122
