Knoxville Opera performs for over 8,000 students and faculty in 19 schools

UT School of Music alumni Jennifer D'Agostino, Kevin Doherty (right) will perform the roles of Adina, a young farm girl, and Dr. Dulcamara, the quack doctor who sells a love potion to the lovesick Nemorino, portrayed by Texas tenor Sergio Cepeda (center) in Knoxville Opera's performances of The Elixir of Love. Image by Knoxville Opera.

KNOXVILLE — Following the overwhelming success of its previous two seasons' in-school performances, Knoxville Opera again brings a staged opera into schools this month. The performances in English of Donizetti’s romantic comedy The Elixir of Love including costumes, scenery, and props, run from January 6th – 17th. This project is a part of Knoxville Opera's robust annual $150,000 Education/Outreach Program.

"The tremendous response during the past two seasons' in-school performances of Romeo & Juliette and Cinderella from parents, students, and educators has inspired us to continue this endeavor. We are excited about giving students a taste of the glittering music and comedy of this opera which we are performing this Valentine’s weekend at the magnificent Tennessee Theatre," said Maestro Salesky.

UT School of Music alumni Jennifer D'Agostino and Kevin Doherty will perform the roles of Adina, a young farm girl, and Dr. Dulcamara, the quack doctor who sells a love potion to the lovesick Nemorino, portrayed by Texas tenor Sergio Cepeda. The production, free to Knox County public schools, will be accompanied and narrated by Knoxville Opera Maestro Brian Salesky.

The performance schedule includes presentations at Austin-East, Powell, and L&N STEM high schools; Cedar Bluff, Episcopal, Farragut, Holston, Karns, Lenoir City, Powell, and South Doyle middle schools; and Dogwood, Fountain City, Green Magnet, Karns, Lenoir City, Northshore, Powell, Hardin Valley, and Sarah Moore Greene elementary schools. An additional show will be presented at the Vestal Boys & Girls Club.

All students from the East Tennessee Region are invited to attend the Student Dress Rehearsal of the complete fully-staged production of The Elixir of Love on Wednesday, February 12, at 6:30 at the Tennessee Theatre. This performance is free to all students of all ages. Doors open at 5:30 with open seating. For more information, call Knoxville Opera at 865-524-0795.

Published January 7, 2014