SOSU Opera Group to Perform Mozart Work

Press Release Date: 11-10-2006

The Southeastern Oklahoma State University Opera Theater Ensemble celebrates the 250th birthday year of W.A. Mozart with its production of “The Magic Flute.”

There is no admission charge and the public is invited to attend this magnificent musical experience at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, in Montgomery Auditorium.

This is the Mozart Year, with people all around the world honoring the birth of one of the greatest composers in the history of music.

This production of one of Mozart’s most famous and beloved operas was developed by the Fort Worth (Texas) Opera’s Outreach Program for children. More than 2,000 children will have the opportunity to experience this 55-minute production during five performances at SOSU throughout the week, with a final public appearance Thursday evening.

Dr. Steven W. Emge, Director of Opera at Southeastern, said the vocal requirements of this work make it a difficult opera to sing and stage.

Emge said, “This was one of those years that I just had the right cast members. Since we haven’t performed this opera for many years and owing to the fact that it is the Mozart Year, this was a perfect fit for our yearly fall children’s opera.”

Since Emge’s introduction of pre-recorded orchestral accompaniments four years ago, local audiences have a unique opportunity to experience opera as it was intended, with full orchestra.