By Lydia Melby, Arts Editor

The Abilene Opera Association is bringing something new to the Abilene arts scene. With a little help from students and professors from both ACU and Hardin-Simmons University and also some adults from the Abilene community, the AOA will be presenting its rendition of Georges Bizet’s Carmen. The opera will run Feb. 24, 26 and 27 at the Paramount Theatre.

I was able to catch some of the production’s rehearsal Wednesday night, and although I was unable to view the performance in its entirety, I was impressed with what I saw. I found the show in an advanced state of production, and I imagine the cast and choir will only improve from there. From what I have experienced and can extrapolate, the performance will showcase a strong, capable choir, talented leads and, of course, an exquisite orchestra.

Out of the 18-member chorus, 12 of the singers are ACU students, and ACU’s own Artist in Residence and associate professor of voice and opera director, Samuel Cook, plays the volatile Don Jose with both strong stage presence and a confident, pure voice. The other leads, most of whom have come from out of town, also are quite gifted and accomplished performers and should provide the audience with an enjoyable and rare experience of a production of this quality and nature.

Micah Bland, senior music major from Denton, said he was asked by Shelby Weatherford, the president of AOA, to take charge of auditioning, preparing and directing the chorus. Bland, who sings in the chorus, as well as directs, said he is excited and thinks the chorus is prepared for opening night Tuesday.

“I gave out the music to the chorus at the end of October, then we had one rehearsal in November, and we’ve been practicing with the chorus since Jan. 27,” he said.

Auditions for chorus, which is comprised of HSU and ACU students, some adults from the community and one Abilene High School student, were open to the public. Bland said he asked those auditioning to prepare and perform one foreign language song.

“I asked them to come and sing one solo, a foreign language song, and we just picked from there,” Bland said. “The auditions were pretty relaxed, and we had a great turnout. We get a little pay, but really we all do it for the fun, for performing.”

Tickets for the opera can be purchased in advance or at the door. For more information, call the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council at 677-1161.