In celebration of its 10th anniversary, the University of North Opera Ensemble in the School of Music presents “La Bohème,” a classic opera by Giacomo Puccini, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 9, and Saturday, March 10, as well as 3 p.m. Sunday, March 11, at the Andrew A. Robinson Jr. Theater, Building 14A.
“UNF Opera is proud to present this timeless classic as an anniversary production celebrating a decade of opera at UNF and abroad,” said Dr. Krzysztof Biernacki, associate professor of voice and director of opera at UNF. “The last 10 years have been a time of exceptional growth for this young ensemble. We take pride in the fact that the School of Music provides some of the finest undergraduate and graduate vocal training in the state.”
This is the first time the UNF Opera Ensemble has presented a full production of “La Bohème,” the world’s most popular opera, on the University’s campus. The production features a cast of 25 singers, 14 children and an 18-piece community orchestra. This fully staged and costumed production will be sung in Italian with the English translation projected above the stage.
At first glance, “La Bohème” is the definitive depiction of the joys and sorrows of love and loss; however, it reveals the deep emotional significance hidden in the trivial things—a bonnet, an old overcoat, a chance meeting with a neighbor—that make up our everyday lives. The production will be directed by Biernacki and conducted by Curtis Tucker, artistic director of First Coast Opera, Northeast Florida’s premier opera company.
UNF Opera has successfully produced over 20 opera productions in the last decade, including American opera classics, such as “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” “The Consul” and “Street Scene,” as well as operatic all-time favorites, like “Magic Flute,” “Marriage of Figaro,” “La Traviata” and “Barber of Seville.” Since 2010, UNF Opera has participated in a study abroad program in the Czech Republic. The program involves study and performance of at least two full operas in established European opera theatres with professional orchestras as well as master classes, individual coaching and open-air orchestra concerts.
Since 2008, UNF Opera has produced over 20 complete productions, including six complete operas in Europe during its annual opera study abroad program in the Czech Republic. Traditional operas include the “Magic Flute,” “Marriage of Figaro,” “La Traviata,” “Barber of Seville” and “Cosi Fan Tutte,” among others. UNF Opera has also produced other 20th-century American works, such as “The Consul,” performed in the Lazzara Performance Hall in 2011.
Comprised and cast from both undergraduate and graduate voice majors, the UNF Opera Ensemble focuses on skill development, stagecraft and theatrical experience through production and performance of complete operatic works suitable for student voices. The UNF Opera Ensemble also engages in community outreach, student recruitment and promotion of operatic arts in the community through production of special concerts, educational programs and school performances.
Tickets for this performance cost $25 for adults and are free for UNF faculty, staff and students with proper identification. Tickets may be purchased at the door or online here. For more information about this performance, contact the UNF School of Music at (904) 620-2961 or email [email protected].
The Music Flagship Program provides music majors and non-music majors alike the opportunity to develop their knowledge, understanding and ability in all aspects of music at a level relevant and appropriate to their needs and interests and to prepare music majors for careers as performers, teachers, composers, arrangers and professionals in the music industry and its supporting fields. Our students experience transformational learning opportunities through international study abroad programs, interaction with world class guest artists and community based performance and pedagogical programs.
