Opera Short and Sweet

Lauren Shanley as Madame Goldentrill and Mark Holder as Mr. Angel in a scene from Mozart’s one-act opera of The Impresario. (photo JLW)

Would you rather read a few short chapters instead of a whole novel? If this is true, then The Opera Gala is perfect for you—beautiful opera music in short pieces from a wide range of performances. Director Ying Yeh has chosen her favorite songs, ranging from a scene from Miss Saigon, by C. M. Schönberg, to the theme song My Heart Will Go On from Titanic, by J. Horner.

Yeh's selections reflect her desire to reach a wide range of people. Yeh would like to see children especially have fun, be educated, and be introduced to opera. An aspect of this year's selections that is different from years past, is that all of them were originally written in English.

Last year's production was sold out, and considering how interesting this year's opera promises to be, it is a good idea to get your tickets as soon as possible. The familiarity of the pieces and the inviting nature of the language will definitely draw a large crowd.

Another new feature this year is the matinee performance on Sunday, April 17, in the new auditorium in Paradise. Yeh's stu-dents will experience the newly renovated theatre and the Opera Gala will be reach a wider audience.

The familiarity of the language and songs and the variety and length of the pieces will provide something for everyone at this year's Opera Gala. The performance runs April 14 and 15 at the Rowland-Taylor Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m.

CD