PRESS RELEASE
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS AND COMMUNICATION
September 30, 2013
CONTACT: Dr. Rob Holden, (501) 450-5762; roberth@uca.edu
UCA OPERA THEATRE INTRODUCES COMMUNITY
TO UNIQUE MUSIC STYLES
By Brandon Riddle
College of Fine Arts and Communication Media Office
CONWAY — Students in the University of Central Arkansas’ Opera Theatre will present operas from all stylistic periods of the genre Oct. 10-11.
The two-day event at 7:30 each night in the Snow Fine Arts Center Recital Hall will feature performances from solo arias, duets, trios and large ensembles. Admission is free and open to the public.
UCA Opera Theater Director Dr. Robert Holden, professor of music, said the program would be a wonderful way for anyone who has never seen an opera to experience it in a small portion as an entry point into appreciating the art form.
“This is not a workshop where people can come for a day or two to learn skills but is an ensemble that produces various programs throughout the year that are skill building for them and presented to the public,” he said.
The Opera Theatre is an ensemble organization in the music department that trains voice majors in the area of musical drama with a framework of opera. Sets are minimal and piano accompanies scenes in the program.
The programs introduce the audience to opera and allow students to gain aspects of stage work and interaction with other singers.
To prepare for the program, students rehearse twice a week in class and work separately on specific scenes prior to the final performance.
“They learn the music, coach the music for style and phrasing and then they work on the acting aspect of the scene they are performing,” Holden said.
Holden said the event didn’t have a specific theme and consists of “fun scenes from opera that would be enjoyable for an audience of any age.”
For more information, contact Holden at (501) 450-5762 or roberth@uca.edu.
The UCA College of Fine Arts and Communication includes the Departments of Art, Communication, Mass Communication and Theatre, Music and Writing. The college’s primary mission is the preparation of the next generation of artists, educators and communicators. For more information about CFAC, visit www.uca.edu/cfac or call (501) 450-3293.
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