By Elizabeth Carrier | Echo
Students put on their best evening wear to enjoy a formal and culturally rich night out at "A Night at the Opera."
This Saturday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m., the Marion Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) is putting on an opera variety show at Indiana Wesleyan's Phillippe Performing Arts Center.
"Opera combines artistic elements to tell stories in ways that engage the senses vividly," Associate Professor of Music Conor Angell said. "The Italian artists who came up with opera wanted a musical art form that would celebrate words. The musical setting heightens the meaning, and the orchestra provides its own voice."
The style of opera is unique in its intense vocal artistry meeting with high levels of instrumental discipline. In Upland, the chance to enjoy such an exquisite collaboration of artists is a rare one and should be taken advantage of.
"A Night at the Opera" will be the MPO's finale of the season. In this celebration concluding the season they will present pieces from a variety of famous operas, including "Romeo and Juliette," "Carmen," "Candide" and "La Boheme."
"This final concert of the 2017-18 'A Season to Remember' series will feature the IWU Chorale with faculty and alumni soloists, Lisa Dawson, Tammie Huntington, Keith Brautigam, and Troy Castle," said the Marion-Grant County Chamber of Commerce on their website.
The Marion-Grant County Chamber of Commerce said that the MPO is committed to providing musical and educational opportunities for students of primary and secondary schooling to engage in. In this last season, the MPO is proud to have engaged more than 1,700 young people in their programs and performances.
The MPO is offering a discounted ticket price for students at $10 each.
"Opera was an acquired taste for me when I was a college student," Angell said. "I developed an appreciation for the beautiful, intricate way opera conveys messages about existence."
Whether this night is one to get together with a group of friends, or maybe just one very "special" friend, this event is not worth missing.
