April 2010: The UAA Opera Ensemble presents 'Kismet'

April 8, 9 and 10, 7:30 pm. April 11, 4 p.m. Fine Arts Recital Hall

'Kismet' (fate) is an enchanting story about the life journey of a devoted father and his daughter in an exotic Persian setting.  The corrupt police official Wazir, his seductive wife Lalume, the wise poet Omar, the noble young prince Caliph, the brigand chief Jawon, along with harem attendants and Wazir's council complete the colorful kaleidoscope of characters. The delightfully romantic and charming music was inspired by Russian composer Alexander Borodin, and feature excerpts from his Symphonies I and II, the Polovestian Dances, the opera Prince Igor and the second String Quartet.

Guest artist Richard Gordon from New York City will act as music director for the production. Percussionist Erika Ninoyu joins the ensemble with an array of special instruments that will provide the exotic flavor in the accompaniment and incidental music. The director of the ensemble, Mari Hahn, provides the stage direction.

The production features two different casts:

April 8 and 9: Anthony Oliva (Poet); Jane Park Drebert (Marsinah); Amaryah Robinson (Lalume); Merrill Flint (Wazir); Kate Schwarzer (Ayah); Mark Bautista (Omar)

April 10 and 11: Alex Pierce (Poet); Amber Gauthier (Marsinah); Heather Faust (Lalume); George Yang (Wazir); Sara Acharya (Ayah); Mark Bautista (Omar)

Nathan Huey, Kaitlyn Collums, Sujin Scott and Sara Cannon round out the cast for all nights.

Shows on April 8, 9 and 10 are at 7:30 p.m., and April 11 at 4 p.m. in the Fine Arts Recital Hall. Tickets can be purchased at www.centertix.net up to the day of the performance and are also available at the UAA Box Office (786-4849) until the time of performance. Discounted student tickets are available only through the Dept. of Music.