USD Opera to Present Puccini Double Bill April 29-30
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.
Puccini is famous for composing melodies set to rich, lush orchestrations that soar into the hearts of the listener. He is also a powerful storyteller of both drama and comedy.
Audiences will start the evening being swept up by the beautiful music and carried away by the drama of “Suor Angelica” and will leave the theatre laughing after the antics of the silly characters and outrageous situations in “Gianni Schicchi,” which also contains memorable music.
Twenty-four students will perform in the operas, directed by Tracelyn Gesteland, DMA, professor of voice/opera and the Walter A. and Lucy Yoshioka Buhler Endowed Chair. Thirteen students will perform in the orchestra, conducted by Luis Víquez, DMA, director of orchestral activities.
"I really hope that people who are new to opera will come and give it a try,” said Gesteland. “We'd love to see a record number of students, faculty and community members present to support these young artists and to enjoy these operatic masterpieces right here in Vermillion. There is no longer a professional opera company in South Dakota, and we are the only university in the state to produce opera in the fall and spring, so USD Opera is opera in South Dakota.”
Paul Hindemith, a former professor of voice at USD, will play the role of Gianni Schicchi as a guest artist.
“When the need arose to bring someone in to play the title role in Gianni Schicchi, I immediately thought of Paul,” Gesteland said. “We had performed in a Schicchi production together in Kansas in 2019, and I loved his performance."
USD Opera will perform Saturday, April 29 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 30 at 3 p.m. in Aalfs Auditorium, inside Slagle Hall. Tickets ($15 adults, $12 senior citizen (62+), $5 grades 9-12, free current USD students with ID and free to benefit-eligible USD faculty and staff with ID) will be available at the door, one hour before curtain (cash or check online). Tickets are also available online at https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=usd.
The productions contain mature content and are not recommended for children.
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