November 10, 2010: Belhaven anticipates the Music Department production of two operas, "The Telephone" and "The Old Maid and the Thief," both by Gian Carlo Menotti. Dr. Christopher Shelt, Professor of Voice, is directing the operas. "Weve done operetta at Belhaven before," says Dr. Shelt, "but this will be the first time since I have been here that we have done genuine operas. Im excited about getting us on a path of doing some operatic productions here. Weve got some wonderful singers here who are ready for this."
Dr. Shelt especially wants to encourage those who have no previous experience with opera to come to these performances. "These are truly hilarious. If people can come with an open mind to the genre, I think theyll find that these are extraordinarily entertaining and beautiful."
"The Old Maid and the Thief" features seniors Abigail Johnston, Tory Senete, and Hannah Cross and sophomore John Mathieu. "The Telephone" features seniors Victoria Swilley and Chris Carlson.
Performances are Friday, November 19 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, November 20 at 2:30 pm in the Concert Hall. Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7:00 pm.
Belhaven stands among the select Christian colleges and universities that offer a unique general core curriculum encouraging the development of a personal worldview. The university believes a Christian worldview is a key to preparing men and women academically and spiritually to serve Christ Jesus in their careers, in human relationships, and in the world of ideas.
Founded in 1883, Belhaven University now serves over 3,000 students from campuses in Jackson, Memphis, Orlando, Houston, and online, offering traditional undergraduate degrees, graduate and adult degree programs, and online degree programs.