Fort Worth Opera, TCU collaboration lets students work with professionals
Officials hope the show will increase student awareness of the opera and will give music students a chance to work professional performers.
By Sarah McNamara
Staff Reporter

The opera department is working in collaboration with the Fort Worth Opera and University Christian Church to remedy the lack of student awareness when it comes to opera performances with the production of “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” said Richard Estes, director of opera theater.

The TCU opera department has worked with the Fort Worth Opera previously, but this will be the first tangible event to develop, Estes, an associate professor of music, said.

“This is a very enriching experience for our students and it is a benefit to the Fort Worth Opera because it’s the production of another piece for their young artists to star in,” Estes said.

Darren Woods, general director for the Fort Worth Opera said the production is a one-hour Christmas story composed by Menotti, about a young crippled boy and his encounter with three wisemen.

“This is a perfect first opera experience for anybody, and we want everyone to come,” Woods said.

Woods said the production has been in the works for the past nine months and began as an opportunity for TCU students to work with professional singers in the professional arena.

“Many of our students audition for and some are even contracted with the Fort Worth Opera,” Estes said. “This production provides them with a closer, inside view of the professionals and a professional opera.”

Preparations have already begun for the fully costumed and orchestra accompanied production, Woods said.

“Everyone involved is in preparation mode right now and will move to full-scale rehearsals by Thanksgiving,” Woods said.

Jennifer Gerber, a junior vocal performance major who will be playing the lead of Amahl, said this opportunity will help her with future projects as she is trying to build a name for herself.

“I am really excited for the challenge because the setting will be at a much different and higher intensity level,” Gerber said. “The bar has been raised and I hope I can meet it.”

Two performances are scheduled at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at University Christian Church.

Tickets are $5 for children and students and $10 for adults. Tickets are currently available for students at the Student Center Information Desk.

Woods said of the 2,000 tickets available, half have already been sold and he is anticipating a sellout.

“Hopefully this will be an annual event, a holiday tradition,” Woods said.

Sarah McNamara