Arts & Entertainment
 

2004 brings opera to Moores

Students put on critically acclaimed shows this spring

Moores Music Notes

Hannah Jackson

Have you ever held the morbid curiosity of trying to discover why a woman would wait in a wedding dress for more than half a century for someone? Have you ever explored the depth of possible vocations that you might choose to make someone love you? The Moores School of Music begins its spring semester with two critically acclaimed operas. Miss Havisham's Fire and La Finta Giardiniera will be performed from Feb. 5 to 9 at the Moores Opera House.

Miss Havisham's Fire is an opera based on the character Miss Havisham from Charles Dickens' classic tale, Great Expectations. The opera investigates the death of the title character who dies a fiery death after spending 50 years waiting for the groom who deserted her as a young bride.

The opera, composed by Pulitzer Prize winner Dominick Argento, originally premiered in 1979. Its first production was not well received and the work was shelved for a time. Argento later revised the work, trimming its length to two hours. Its revision premiered in St. Louis two years ago to the applause of many critics. The Washington Post wrote, "His music, which has the thematic concision of Benjamin Britten and the orchestral profligacy of Richard Strauss, unfolds with a compelling sense of individuality and freedom ... .the music graciously submits to the will of the words, an old-fashioned operatic marriage, but a successful one."

Susan Draper, a graduate student at the Moores School of Music, acts the role of Sarah Pocket, a relative of Miss Havisham. Draper has enjoyed her part in the opera and said though the music is difficult both technically and rhythmically, she loves the character. She called the opera "amazing,' adding that the music is both "stunning and exciting."

Nick Perez, vocal performance sophomore, performs in the ballroom scene as well as singing in the chorus. He said the production is one of the best operas he has ever participated in and credits this largely to the story line, which he said keeps you on the edge. 

Perez agreed with Draper, saying that the roles demand a high level of concentration for every performer, but that from the first rehearsal he has enjoyed the opera.

The production has the special privilege of being performed in the presence of composer Argento, who will also honor UH with a lecture in Room 160, Moores School of Music at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 6. The performances for Miss Havisham's will take place at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6 and 9, and 2 p.m. Feb. 8.

La Finta Giardiniera, composed by Mozart at the age of 18, tells the tale of a lady who becomes a gardener in order to win back the love of her life. This opera is both directed and conducted entirely by UH graduate students. 

Buck Ross, director of the Moores Opera Center, sees this as an opportunity for graduate students to gain direct experience for their later careers, a chance that few schools are willing to offer them. The dates for La Finta Giardiniera are at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5, 7 and 8.

All performances will take place in the Moores Opera House. Tickets are $15 for adults and $7.50 for students and seniors. For more ticket information, please call (713) 743-3313.

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