Released: February 14, 2011
Lincoln, Neb. - The University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Music in the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts and UNL Opera proudly presents Romeo and Juliet.
The world's greatest love story comes to life with Charles Gounod's passionately romantic music. Resplendent arias, stirring choruses, and a richly hued orchestra merge together in this brilliant masterpiece of the French repertoire.
Gounod's most spectacular immediate success directly parallels Shakespeare's classic story. And while many operatic composers have tried their hand at adapting Romeo and Juliet, this one has enjoyed the most popular success.
Part of that success is Gounod's treatment of the title characters. While there are glorious choruses, ensembles, and solos, the opera is built upon a series of duets for the star-crossed lovers. Exquisite melodies capture the playful flirtatiousness of their first meeting in the Capulet ballroom, the wonder of their secret encounter at that famous balcony, the passionate declarations of love in Juliet's chamber, and finally their tragic and heartbreaking death in the tomb.
A love story for the ages, this is a production you will not want to miss.
The opera will be sung in French with projected English supertitles above the set. In the title roles will be UNL graduate students Jeni Houser and Patrick O'Halloran.
Performances are Friday, Feb. 25 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, Feb. 27 at 3:00 pm in Kimball Recital Hall. Tickets for this event are $20 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Tickets are available through the Lied Center box office, (402) 472-4747 or (800) 432-3231.
Opera Pre-Talk: Dr. William Shomos, director of Romeo and Juliet, will give a pre-performance talk 45 minutes before each performance in Westbrook Music Building, Room 119.