Webster University Opera Studio Presents 'Un po’ di Puccini (A little Puccini)'

A scene from Webster Opera Studio's January 2023 production.

The Department of Music invites audiences to the Opera Studio production of "Un po’ di Puccini (A little Puccini)". Performances will be held Jan. 19-21 in the Winifred Moore Auditorium. Tickets are free for Webster University students, faculty and staff with valid ID, and can be reserved in advance online. 
   
"Un po’ di Puccini (A little Puccini)" features a fully staged production of Giacomo Puccini’s opera Suor Angelica, along with a selection from Puccini’s opera Turandot.  
   
Led by Jacob Lassetter, Webster University Opera Studio presents a fully staged and costumed production every January.  
   
“Webster Opera Studio is excited to bring something a bit different to our January production, which normally consists of scenes from various operas," said Lassetter. "This year, in addition to a scene from Puccini’s Turandot, we are pleased to present Puccini’s one-act opera Suor Angelica in its entirety. This not only gives our students the rewarding experience of performing an entire work, but pairing it with the Turandot scene also allows our students the opportunity to focus on and immerse themselves in the music of a single composer.”  

Associate Professor of Voice Jacob Lassetter. 
   
Artistic staff also includes Stage Director Corinne Hayes and Conductor Scott Schoonover from Union Avenue Opera.  
   
"Giacomo Puccini is one of the greats; his large-scale works get performed often (and often extravagantly) in opera houses around the world," said Hayes. "Suor Angelica is Puccini through and through - beautiful, arching melodies, humanity depicted at its emotional extremes. But the story of Suor Angelica is a humble one, joy and pain on a more intimate scale. The sisters of Suor Angelica lead simple lives, have simple wants and fears - it is easy for us to see ourselves in their stories. Producing this work with young artists has brought freshness, vitality, and community to the story of Suor Angelica and her sisters; we can hardly wait to invite the audience into the community that we have created."  

Stage Director Corinne Hayes.
  
“I am so looking forward to this show. In the three years I've been doing this, I have yet to see a show of this magnitude, depth, and excellence,” said Webster University junior Elizabeth Button. “Our youngest class of singers has been particularly wonderful about stepping up and facing these challenges with grace and determination.”  
 
“Un po’ di Puccini (A little Puccini)” will be performed on:  
 
Friday, Jan. 19 at 7 p.m.  
Saturday, Jan. 20 at 7 p.m.  
Sunday, Jan. 21 at 2 p.m.  
   
Webster University Opera Studio presents complete works and scenes from all periods of lyric theatre. Students receive training in singing-acting, role preparation, and character development. The skills and experience gained from Opera Studio give alumni the tools to succeed in top graduate programs, young artist programs and international performing careers.  
   
The Department of Music presents a wide variety of concerts and musical offerings throughout the academic year, including the Jazz@Webster concert series, classical performances, and student recitals. The most current concert information can be found on the department's performance calendar.