Opera Breve Begins Public Performances
Arts and Humanities

Opera Breve Begins Public Performances

  • 12 July 2014
  • 2 min read

Some of the top instructors in the field of Opera and Musical Theater are on the Midwestern State University campus to conduct the fourth annual Opera Breve Vocal Intensive (OBVI) workshop. The workshop is a three-week program of master classes including stage instruction, acting, vocal lessons, foreign language, diction, and coaching in both opera and musical theater held on MSU's campus, and is designed to help participants better their performance skills.

OBVI was founded by MSU alumna Lenora Eve with a goal to help young, talented artists gain experience and seek an opportunity to take a higher step in the world of opera. The idea grew out of the Opera Breve nonprofit company based in New York City, and it took action in 2008.  

MSU alumna and OBVI Executive Director Darla Diltz and Eve chose their hometown of Wichita Falls as a place to host their workshop. They recognized the musical talents of North Texans and wanted to keep a local connection for students, as well as bring more opera to North Texas.

Additional faculty and staff for this year's Opera Breve include Dr. Stephen Austin, Lynn Ann Thomas, Randy Ahmed, Rachel Kapelski, Jamie Cohen, Mickey Jordan, Lisa Jackson, Jonathan Moots, Eve, and Diltz.

All OBVI performances will be held in MSU's Akin Auditorium. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $10 for seniors and students, and free admission for MSU students, faculty, and staff with valid MSU I.D.

Scheduled performances:

Don Giovanni (Mozart)- Pianist Grant Jones with OBVI Chamber Orchestra, Stage Director Carroll Freeman, and Conductor Stephen Dubberly.

7:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 15, and 7:30 p.m., Friday, July 18

Little Women (Adamo) - Pianist Abigail Payne Sander with Stage Director JJ Hudson, and Music Director/Pianist Brian Osborne.

7:30 p.m., Thursday, July 17, and 3 p.m., Saturday, July 19

Carousel (Rodgers and Hammerstein) - Stage Director Scott Susong, Music Director/Pianist Jad Bernardo, and choreography by Mike and Erin Sherry.

7:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 16, and 3 p.m., Sunday, July 20

Opera Scenes and Musical Theatre Showcase - with stage director Eve, music director Christy Lee, director Scott Susong, and music director Jad Bernardo:

7:30 p.m., Saturday, July 19

For more information, visit www.operabreve.com.

Written by Marija Jovanovic, Pubic Information Summer Intern