CUA Opera to Present Gounod's ROMEO ET JULIETTE, 3/14-17

Christman said the opera was chosen to challenge students and provide them with an opportunity to develop professional skills.

"The opera allows our students to develop themselves dramatically into characters with human emotions, which move from the joyous promise of first infatuations, through the thrill of marriage, the horrors of murder, and the tragedy of suicide," Christman said. "Throughout the entire opera one must be part of a story that conveys the strength of a love that refuses to know boundaries. It is a highly demanding undertaking which, if done correctly, leaves all involved emotionally and physically drained at the final curtain."

Both Christman and Toulson mentioned the beauty of the score as a major highlight of the opera. The CUA Symphony Orchestra will provide the music under the direction of Adam Turner, resident conductor of Virginia Opera and a CUA alumnus.

"It is one of the most beautiful love stories ever told and some of the most gorgeous music imaginable," Toulson said. "Combining those two things creates a wonderfully exciting evening of opera."

Performances will take place in Hartke Theatre, 3801 Harewood Road, at 7:30 p.m. on March 15-16 and 2 p.m. on March 17. Tickets are $20 for general admission; $15 for CUA alumni; $10 for seniors, faculty, and staff; and $5 for CUA students with ID.

There will be a preview performance on Thursday, March 14, at 7:30 p.m. with discounted ticket prices: $15 for general admission; $10 for CUA alumni; and $5 for seniors, faculty, staff, and CUA students with ID.

Tickets will be available online at music.cua.edu beginning Feb. 25 and can be purchased at the door.

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