Fine Arts tickets a holiday draw

trevor.kenney — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 19:10:52 +0000

Gift-wrap the performing arts and put them under the tree for someone you love this holiday season! Tickets to Fine Arts events make a fantastic holiday gift for the theatre or concertgoer on your list.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office closes for Christmas on Dec. 14 and reopens on Jan. 7. Tickets are also available online at uleth.ca/tickets.

Here's a look at some of the upcoming performances.

TheatreXtra (Tickets: $11 regular, $7 student/senior)
The Love List by Norm Foster
January 24-26, 2013 (8 p.m. nightly, 2 p.m. matinee on Jan. 26, David Spinks Theatre)

What would happen if you got the chance to order your dream date?

In this hilarious comedy we are introduced to the characters of Bill and Leon who compile the love list – the top 10 qualities they want in a woman. However chaos ensues as this "perfect woman" comes knocking on the door and the gentlemen learn to be careful what you wish for.

Drama Mainstage (Tickets: $15 adults, $10 student/senior)
The Neverending Story by Michael Ende (Adapted by David S. Craig)
Feb. 12-16, 2013 (7 p.m. nightly, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre)

A boy must save the world of Fantastica using the power of his imagination. This play is for anyone who has ever read a book that was so good they did not want it to end.

Estuary by Ron Chambers
Mar. 19-23, 2013 (8 p.m. nightly, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre)

As a young man's dreams begin to infiltrate his waking life, he's forced to determine what's real and what isn't. This comedy asks whether, in snubbing our dream life, we are ignoring a significant and real aspect of our humanity.

Faculty Artist and Friends Series (Tickets: $20 adults, $15 student/senior)
Celebrate Poulenc
Jan. 25, 2013 (8 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall)

In honour of the 50th anniversary of the death of Francis Poulenc, a leading figure in the Parisian musical life of the early 20th century.

Quasar Saxophone Quartet
March 9, 2013 (8 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall)

The confluence of acoustic and electronic music, Montreal's Quasar explores aspects of artistic creation from instrumental to live electronics, from improvisation to instrumental theatre.

For a complete listing of events, pick up a copy of the Faculty of Fine Arts' Season at a Glance, or go to www.uleth.ca/finearts for more information on all these fantastic shows, gallery exhibits and concerts.

Workshop takes on challenge

trevor.kenney — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 23:20:54 +0000

Riveting drama and shattering poignancy mark the operatic offering, The Dialogue of the Carmelites, Feb. 26-27 in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre.

"This riveting dramatic work is a huge undertaking for student singers – professionals tremble at the prospect of this opera," says Dr. Blaine Hendsbee, Opera Workshop director. "That said, I believe this year, we're be up to the task – and the students are proving me right."

The Dialogue of the Carmelites by Francis Poulenc plays Feb. 26-27 at 8 p.m. nightly in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre.

Set during the French Revolution, The Dialogue of the Carmelites follows an order of nuns and its newest addition, Blanche, through an epic journey of persecution and defiance as they ultimately pay the price to uphold their religious convictions.

"The depth and range of characters appeal to singers," Hendsbee says. "The musical score is complex and the story dramatic. It's about the struggle between religious freedom and society's role. Most poignant is the role faith takes in an individual's beliefs, and how far an individual will go to defend their beliefs."

Performed in English, the opera is a serious undertaking for any opera company.

"The music was written in the 20th century – it's very melodic and tuneful as well as magnificently powerful and very dramatic. It's a heavy night at the opera," he adds.

The scope of the production provides challenges, which Hendsbee and assistant director Dr. Sandra Stringer are ready to meet.

"With 16 different scenes throughout the opera where action takes place, it was a great challenge to ensure the changes happened seamlessly," Hendsbee explains.

A 15-piece orchestra, conducted by Glen Klassen, adds another glorious dimension to Poulenc's recitative.

"Although the opera is about subordination and persecution of women, it's truly an opera of women," he adds. "Men play a supporting role in this opera. The focus is on the relationships and struggles of these nuns."

Transformative and riveting, The Dialogue of the Carmelites transports audiences to a turbulent, dark and stark 18th century.

Tickets are priced at $15 for regular admission and $10 student/senior at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office, or by calling 403-329-2616.

UNews - Francis Poulenc

Fine Arts tickets a holiday draw

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Workshop takes on challenge

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