Published on March 6, 2013 by Sean Flynt  

Opera Birmingham, a School of the Arts Community Partner, will present its production of The Magic Flute March 15 at 7:30 p.m. and March 17 at 2:30 p.m. in Wright Concert Hall.

Here's another chance to enjoy an updated but still classic opera and be reminded just how accomplished School of the Arts faculty and students are. Professor Christina Villaverde has encouraged her students to stretch into professional roles, and she and four of her students were cast in the production. The Samford cast members include:

Christina Villaverde (Assistant Professor of Voice) Role: Papagena
Rebecca Rafla (BS Major) Role: 3rd Spirit
Joylyn Rushing (BM-Voice Major) Role: 2nd Spirit
Bethany Orick (BM-Voice Major) Role: Alto Chorister
Connor Ford (BME Major) Role: Bass Chorister

The Magic Flute, Mozart’s perfect comedy blends onstage hilarity and touching musical moments which together spell fun for all ages! Soprano Jan Cornelius returns as the lovely princess, Pamina, while baritone Corey McKern sings Papageno, the hapless birdcatcher seeking a girlfriend. Marc Astafan makes his company debut directing and Israel Gursky returns to conduct!

Opera Birmingham is pleased to offer discounted tickets for Samford students, faculty and staff–Buy one orchestra ticket, get one free (good for either orchestra section). To purchase faculty/staff tickets at the discounted rate, please call 205-322-6737.

Student tickets are $12 and must be purchased in person with a valid full-time student ID at the Hill Opera Center, 3601 Sixth Ave. South (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm), or at the box office at the Wright Center (opens 1 hr prior to each performance).

Join us for an exciting evening (or afternoon) of music!

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.