Belmont University School of Music
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2025 7:30PM
MASSEY CONCERT HALL
Belmont University School of Music presents
Opera Through the Ages
Opera Scenes
From the Director
I am delighted to welcome you to this year’s Opera Scenes program, Opera Through the Ages. Tonight, we invite you on a journey across time as we explore seven scenes, each set in a different decade. This program is particularly special because it gave our students the opportunity to experiment with different styles of staging, learn about the culture and history of each time period, and discover how opera can take on many forms, not just traditional ones. Throughout this process, the students have explored how gestures, fashion trends, and social and political influences can shape a performance. They’ve learned that opera is not limited to a single century or style, but is an art form that continues to evolve and speak to us in new ways. The scenes in this program come from operas that don’t need to be set in a specific time or place, which gave us the freedom to imagine them in different historical contexts. In the professional opera world today, we see more and more productions reimagined in new settings and eras. This program has given our students the chance to experience that creative process firsthand and to see how opera’s timeless stories continue to resonate no matter what decade they’re set in. I hope tonight’s performance is both entertaining and thought-provoking, and that it shows how opera, and the stories it tells, truly stand the test of time.
Dr. Savanna Sokolnicki, School of Music Faculty
Program
Iphigénie en Tauride
Starring
Orestes - Nicholas Branson
Iphigénie - Angela Stenzel
Ensemble
C.W. Gluck (1714-1787)
Elijah Ayers, Daniela Baker, Katelyn Barnes, Ezra Biggs, Anna Cannito, Javier Castro, Rox Davidson, Brian Deavers, Abby Everett, Eva Grossardt, Val Haas, Reagan Hall, Caroline Moss, Emma Perrine, Evin Ross, Veronica Selby, Madison Smith, Victoria Uribe, Kiara Valladares, Isabella Valentin, Wesleigh Jane Winfrey
Yeomen of the Guard
Arthur Sullivan & W.S. Gilbert (1842-1900), (1836-1911)
Starring
Elsie - Katelyn Barnes
Phoebe - Victoria Uribe
Fairfax - Javier Castro
Point - Brian Deavers
Alcina G. F. Handel (1685-1759)
Starring
Ruggiero - Val Haas
Bradamante - Rox Davidson
Fairy Queen
H. Purcell (1659-1995)
Starring
First Fairy - Reagan Hall
Second Fairy - Veronica Selby
Drunken Poet - Ezra Biggs
Chorus of Fairies
Elijah Ayers, Nicholas Branson, Brian Deavers, Eva Grossardt, Caroline Moss, Emma Perrine, Evin Ross, Kiara Valladares, Isabella Valentin, Wesleigh Jane Winfrey
The Impresario W. A. Mozart (1756-1791)
Starring
Mrs. Heartfelt - Anna Cannito
Mrs. Silvertone - Madison Smith
Mr. Buskin - Javier Castro
Rusalka
Starring
Nymph 1 - Victoria Uribe
Nymph 2 - Daniela Baker
Nymph 3 - Abby Everett
(1841-1904)
Antonin Dvořák
Orphée aux enfers (Orpheus in the Underworld) J. Offenbach (1819-1880)
Starring
Cybel - Eva Grossardt
Cupid - Kiara Valladares
Venus - Wesleigh Jane Winfrey
Jupiter - Nicholas Branson
Diana - Angela Stenzel
Hebe - Caroline Moss
Minerva - Reagan Hall
Morpheus - Javier Castro
Mercury - Evin Ross
Chorus of Gods
Elijah Ayers, Daniela Baker, Katelyn Barnes, Ezra Biggs, Anna Cannito, Rox Davidson, Brian Deavers, Abby Everett, Val Haas, Emma Perrine, Veronica Selby, Madison Smith, Victoria Uribe, Isabella Valentin
Production Team
Director.....................................................................................................Dr. Savanna Sokolnicki
Assistant Director..............................................................................................Dr. Kristi Whitten
Music Director..........................................................................................................Daniel Krenz
Pianist..................................................................................................................Laura Benavides
Stage, Lighting, and Sound Production................................................Reid Fitter, Caroline Morris
Costumes..................................................................................Lissa McHugh of BRAVO Theatre
Production/Facilities..................................................................................................Jason Miller
Supertitle Operation..................................................................................................Paige Padgett
Special Thanks
Stephen R. Eaves, Dean, College of Music and Performing Arts
Massey Performing Arts Center Production Crew
Gina Lackore, Program Assistant
Publix on Melrose
School of Music Staff
Upcoming Concerts and Events
World Fiddle & Bluegrass Ensemble
Wednesday, November 5, 7:30 p.m.
Massey Concert Hall
Guitar Ensemble
Thursday, November 6, 7:30 p.m.
McAfee Concert Hall
PHNX
Friday, November 7, 7:30 p.m.
Massey Concert Hall
Musical Theatre
The Addams Family
Friday, November 7, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 8, 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 9, 2:00 p.m.
Troutt Theater
This is a ticketed event, Students may purchase tickets at the Belmont Box Office
Jazz String Septet
Sunday, November 9, 6:30 p.m.
Massey Concert Hall
Percussion Ensemble & World Percussion
Monday, November 10, 7:30 p.m.
Harton Recital Hall
First Year Musical Theatre Showcase
Saturday, November 15, 6:30 p.m. Troutt Theater
Vocal Collective
Saturday, November 15, 6:30 p.m.
Massey Concert Hall
For more information on upcoming concerts and events, please visit www.belmont.edu/cmpa or “like” Belmont University School of Music on Facebook.
