University of Northern Colorado Opera Theatre puts on well-received show

Shakespeare came to UNC Saturday as the University of Northern Colorado Opera Theatre put on a performance of “The Bard of Opera” for a packed audience at the Union Colony Civic Center.

 

With two acts featuring scenes from operas such as Gioacchino Rossini’s “Otello” and Giuseppe Verdi’s “Falstaff,” the vocalists gracing the Hensel Phelps stage captivated audience members.

 

“I really enjoyed the show, the variety, the scene selections and the talent,” said Casey Weimer, an audience member.

 

The amount of work that goes into putting together a performance takes diligence, perseverance and talent. Opera is a difficult art form, which does not come easy to many but seemed to for these music students.

 

“It has been very impressive to see how much the students have improved over the course of these few weeks, in terms of both acting and diction,” said Daniel Reem, a second-year master’s student of music and director of Hector Berlioz’s “Beatrice et Benedict: Act II.” “This entire process has been an absolute delight.” 

 

With respect to the Shakespeare theme, each scene was uniquely staged, giving the audience the universality of Shakespeare transcending time with its relatable content. The tasteful lighting and use of props and costumes helped audience members to understand the message of each operatic scene regardless of language barriers. The audience heard French, Italian and English throughout the night. 

 

“Doing opera scenes gave me the opportunity to stretch myself further than I ever thought I could,” said Susan Elser, a junior vocal performance major who wowed attendees with her beautiful and vibrant sound in Samuel Barber’s “Anthony and Cleopatra.” “It was absolutely amazing.” 

 

The UNC School of Music will once again display its bountiful talent with Benjamin Britten’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” with the Greeley Philharmonic in Helen Langworthy Theater in Frasier Hall at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9. 

 

Ticket information can be found by calling 970-351-2200 or by visiting arts.unco.edu/calendar/tickets.html.