The Sherman Symphony Orchestra will perform an all-Mozart concert, “Mozart at the Opera,” Saturday, April 27, at 7:30 p.m. at Kidd-Key Auditorium in Sherman, joined by Austin College’s A Cappella Choir and soloists.
Tickets range from $20 to $30 for adults based on selection. Students of all ages are admitted free. Ticket information is available at shermansymphony.tix.com.
Sherman Symphony Director Daniel Dominick, associate professor of music at Austin College, said that many are quite familiar with Mozart as a composer of symphonies and concertos, but that during his own time, Mozart was probably most famous as a composer of opera. The SSO concert will include “the most exciting parts,” according to Dominick, of Mozart’s three most famous operas: Don Giovanni, Marriage of Figaro, and Magic Flute.
The story lines of the operas will be filled in from stage so the audience understands the plot of the operas. Some solo and duet arias and choruses will be included, and, Dominick said the major portion of the night will be performances of the finales of all three operas. “For Marriage of Figaro, that’s more than 20 minutes of continuous music and for Don Giovanni that’s more than 15 minutes of continuous music,” he added.
Many Austin College musicians are members of the Sherman Symphony Orchestra.
Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, international study, pre-professional foundations, leadership development, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 40 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with 46 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and more than 100 expert faculty members allow a 13:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. This year, the campus recognizes 100 years of co-education and has had several opportunities to recognize the history of women and accomplishments of current alumnae. Austin College is related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA) and cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. Founded in 1849, the College is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.