The Chart Online

Pro Musica schedules famous opera
Josh Ray

Diversion Editor

Ladies and gentlemen, it is time for the opera.

The Opera Theatre of St. Louis will be coming to Missouri Southern to perform La Boheme by Giacomo Puccini. The name means The Bohemian Girl. Pro Musica, a local classical music presenter, will be bringing the opera to Joplin. Cynthia Schwab, executive director of Pro Musica, is having the opera performed at Southern because Taylor Auditorium is the best facility to present the show.

Pro Musica and Missouri Southern have had a very good working relationship for 15 years, she said.

The opera will be performed in English so the audience can understand it better. Allison Felter, director of education at the Opera Theatre of St. Louis, said the show was originally written in a different language, but the group translated it. She said the show was written by one of the most famous opera writers of all time.

The plot centers around two poverty-stricken Bohemians and their love interests. The opera follows the four of them through the hardships they must endure as friends and lovers. It takes place in late, 19th century Paris and is described as one of the most successful operas ever written. The script has been abridged for touring purposes.

As well as putting on the performance, the group will also be be teaching a master class for students interested in auditioning. Felter described the group s touring and class as a function of our education department.

Their outreach is not just performance, said Dr. Susan Smith, associate professor of music. They re apprentice people. They give that younger singer a chance.

The class will consist of two singers and the music director of the opera performing for the students in attendance. They will also discuss professional singing careers, auditioning, graduate schools and apprentice programs. Then the group will coach six Southern voice majors.

These students were picked by me to represent a broad spectrum, Smith said.

The last time the company brought an opera to Joplin was three years ago. Schwab said approximately 700 people attended. She is expecting a good turnout for this one as well.

The class will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1 in Webster Hall Auditorium. It is free to anyone interested in attending. La Boheme will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 1 in Taylor Auditorium. Cost is $10. Tickets can be purchased in the Billingsly Student Center ticket office.

Schwab urges everyone who has never seen an opera to come and see and hear.