The USD Opera offers students the opportunity to bring music and drama to life on the stage. The multiple national award-winning program trains performers to become believable and compelling singing-actors in operatic literature from the Baroque period through the contemporary lyric theater.
Every year, USD Opera produces a minimum of two productions. The fall production consists of a children’s opera, one-act or scenes program and includes outreach opportunities in the region. In the spring, USD Opera produces a full main stage opera with orchestra.
Opera students find out who they are as artists as they receive individual attention and personalized guidance from dedicated, highly skilled and acclaimed faculty. Find your voice, unlock your potential and discover your passion for a lifetime.
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2022-23 Season Information
FALL
Two short operas set in 19th Century Louisiana come to the stage for USD Opera’s fall 2022 production. Libby Larsen and John Olive’s chamber opera for young people, The Silver Fox, tells the tale of the young Titine. One night, the silver fox appears and causes everyone to have strange dreams with something in common, Titine. Feeling lost and afraid of the future, she runs from everyone into the woods and begins the journey of self-discovery and growth.
Dan Shore’s An Embarrassing Situation is a setting of Kate Chopin’s work of the same name. This opera in one act follows the ever-growing situation that arises after aspiring politician Willis Parkham receives a surprise late-night visit from not one, but two women! After the arrival of a reporter, a photographer, and a priest, he must choose a course of action.
Director: Dr. Juan Carlos Mendoza
Saturday, November 19, 2022 at 7:30pm
Sunday, November 20, 2022 at 3pm
Colton Recital Hall
$10 adults
$5 seniors (62+)
$5 K-12
Free to current USD students with USD ID
Free to benefit-eligible USD Faculty/Staff w/USD ID
Tickets available at the door one hour before curtain (cash or check only) and online starting November 1.
WINTER
3rd Annual “Death by Chocolate & Aria” Opera Gala
Saturday, January 21, 2023
Dinner at 6:30pm (doors open at 6pm)
The Country Club of Sioux Falls
3400 W. 22nd Street, Sioux Falls
Tickets $150 (includes wine, dinner, dessert, entertainment)
Live and silent auction items will be available
Tickets will be available online starting December 12 at: https://usdfoundation.org/donate/opera
SPRING
USD Opera presents a main-stage Puccini double bill in English with orchestra: Suor Angelica (“Sister Angelica”) and Gianni Schicchi (pronounced “Johnny Skee-kee”).
The tragic one-act opera, Suor Angelica, tells the story of a young woman from an aristocratic family who bears a child out of wedlock and is sent to a convent to repent for her sins and to protect the family reputation. Her seemingly peaceful life is shattered by the arrival of her aunt, who brings news that may destroy Angelica's future.
Gianni Schicchi is a one-act comic story of family greed. When the head of a wealthy family dies and leaves his immense fortune to a monastery, the family calls upon an outsider to “fix” the problem, resulting in hilarious and unexpected results!
Director: Dr. Tracelyn Gesteland
Conductor: Dr. Luis Viquez
Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 7:30pm
Sunday, April 30, 2023 at 3pm
Aalfs Auditorium (inside Slagle Hall)
$15 adults
$12 seniors (62+)
$5 K-12
Free to current USD students/w USD ID
Free to benefit-eligible USD Faculty/Staff w/ USD ID
Tickets available at the door one hour before curtain (cash or check only) and online starting April 3.
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