Wichita, KS – Friends University is excited to announce the upcoming performance of two short operas- Old Maid and the Thief by Gian Carlo Menotti and Fables by Ned Rorem, Feb. 26 and 27, 2022.
The evening of opera is spearheaded by a familiar local director, Ashley Winters. She serves as the Managing Artistic Director at Opera Kansas and is excited teach lessons and direct the opera this semester. Fine Arts Division Co-Chair and Associate Professor of Voice, Dr. Matthew Schloneger, is the music director and producer for the performance.
Old Maid and The Thief is a one-act radio opera that tells the tale of humanity and its futile pursual of enlightenment. As the layers are peeled away, the audience finds that the ancient vices of jealousy, pride, avarice, greed, sloth and lust are still at our core.
Fables is a collection of five micro-operas, each featuring a colorful cast of characters that explore those same inner vices, bad attitudes and the little lies we tell ourselves.
“We hope these works will allow our audience to gain a refreshing perspective on the value of ancient human insights through the colorful weaving of our fabled musical stories as we expose those historically dark parts of our inner selves that we don’t like to talk about at parties,” said Winters.
The production will feature an orchestra conducted by senior Friends University student, Gabe Karst, who made his pit conducting debut in last year’s production of Working.
The performance will take place Feb. 26 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 27 at 2 p.m. in Sebits Auditorium in the Riney Fine Arts building on the Friends University campus at 2100 W. University Ave., Wichita, Kan.
Ticket prices are $12 for adults and $9 for students and seniors. They may be purchased online at friends.edu/fineartstickets or by calling the Fine Arts Box Office at 316-295-5677.
Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.
