Opera Westminster Weaves Together Scenes from Different Operas for “Innocence & Intrigue,” April 9

Opera Westminster will present "Innocence and Intrigue," opera scenes which includecomedy, drama and dance from 14 different operas, at 7:30 p.m., April 9 in Orr Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public. Scenes will be sung in their original language with English supertitles and English introduction.

The choice of scenes for “Innocence and Intrigue,” was made with regard to each student’s individual stage of vocal development by the stage director and conductor and in consultation with the students’ voice instructors.

“The difficulty of the performance is transitioning from one scene to another and then tying it all together,” said Dr. Anne Bentz, associate professor of voice and Opera director. “There must be a common thread that helps the audience understand the general theme, which in this production is ‘Innocence and Intrigue’.”

Joseph Spurio, a senior music education major, will play “Puck” from Midsummer Night’s Dream, leading the audience through the entire program.

Mihai Valcu, adjunct music faculty, will be conducting the performance. Marie Libal-Smith, adjunct music faculty, will be the pianist for the evening. John Bonomo, assistant professor of computer science, will also be performing. He will be playing "Dr.Bartolo" in Il Barbiere di Siviglia and "Frank" inDie Fledermaus.

“My main focus at Westminster is building and preparing music performance majors and music education majors as vocal performers,” said Bentz. “Opera teaches students how to develop their voice, how act with their voices and how to move on stage.”

For more information about “Innocence and Intrigue,” contact Bentz at bentzah@westminster.edu or (724) 946-6045.

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Congratulations to the following students on their role in the opera:

Aliquippa, PA
Jeremy Roberts, a sophomore political science major, is a son of Peter and Erica Duni and a graduate of Central Valley High School. He will be playing "Coint Boni" in Csardasfürstin and "Don Giovanni" in the opera Don Giovanni.

Chicora, PA
Becca Bly, a senior music performance major, is a daughter of Jeffrey and Amy Bly and a graduate of Karns City Area High School. She will be playing “Gilda” in Rigoletto and “Rosalinda” in Die Fledermaus.

Derry, PA
Lauren Thayer, a senior music education major, is a daughter of Karen Winter and a graduate of Derry Area High School. She will be playing "Musetta" in La Boheme.

Erie, PA
Antonia Flamini, a senior business administration major, is a daughter of John and Mary Flamini and a graduate of Villa Maria Academy. She will be playing "Azucena" in Il Trovatore.

Gibsonia, PA
Matthew Benzenhoefer, a senior business administration and vocal major, is a son of Robert and Catherine Benzenhoefer and a graduate of Hampton High School. He will be playing "Don Silva" in Ernani.

Greenville, PA
Lauren Faber, a first year communication studies and music major, is a daughter of Douglas and Debra Faber and a graduate of Greenville Senior High School. She will be playing "Zorika" in Gypsy Love.

Hanover, PA
Mark Hockenberry, a senior music performance major, is a son of Michael and MaryBeth Hockenberry and a graduate of South Western High School. He will be playing "Count Di Luna" in Il Trovatore and "Zurga" in  Les Pecheurs des Perles.

Kennerdell, PA
Danielle Smith, a senior music performance major, is a daughter of Christopher Smith and Lucija Jezovnik, and a graduate of Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School. She will be playing "Rosina" in Il Barbiere di Siviglia.

New Castle, PA
Matthew Younger, a senior music education major, is a son of Elmer & Laura Younger and a graduate of Shenango High School. He will be playing "Count Danillo" in the Merry Widow.

Hubbard, OH
Joseph Spurio, a senior music education major, is a son of William and Darlene Spurio and a graduate of Hubbard High School. He will be playing “Puck” in a Midsummer Night’s Dream and "Nadir" in Les Pecheurs des Perles.

Youngstown, OH
Monica Corley, a first year music and communication studies major, is a daughter of Dionne Corley and a graduate of Boardman High School. She will be playing "Valencienne" in The Merry Widow.

Clayton, NJ
Samantha Connell, a first year music education-vocal major, is a daughter of Michelle Connell and a graduate of Clayton High School. She will be playing "Hanna Glavari" in The Merry Widow.

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