Tryon Fine Arts Center will escort 25 high school students and choral directors from Polk and Spartanburg to the production of “Aida,” Verdi’s “grandest” of operas staged by the University Opera Association of Bob Jones University on Saturday, March 22.

With major roles portrayed by opera singers of international acclaim, students and chaperones can expect professional talent along with spectacular sets, stunning costumes and great music combined for a thrilling opera experience.

Chorus and drama students from Polk County High School, Landrum High School and Chapman High school, as well as home-schooled students are invited to take advantage of this opportunity.

Students from all schools will dine together at a Greenville restaurant before the opera begins.

As an introduction to the opera, Tryon Fine Arts Center is arranging an in-school presentation in Polk County, Landrum and Chapman High Schools by soprano Brenda Quilling.  Brenda, a local resident, vocal instructor and business owner, has had a national and international career as an opera singer, with one of her notable professional roles that of Aida in Verdi’s masterpiece.

She will be accompanied by pianist John Matthew.

This is the third year this opportunity has been offered to local high school students.  In the past two years students have attended “Il Trovatore” and Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Mikado.”

The Opera program, part of Arts in Education at Tryon Fine Arts Center, was originally begun in the 1980’s by Tryon residents Jack and Margaret Wheaton to help provide young people with cultural opportunities normally associated with larger cities.

Any high school student living in Polk County or upper Spartanburg County, S.C.  interested in attending this event is invited to call TFAC Education Director Marianne Carruth for more information at 828-859-8322 ext. 213.

 

– article submitted by 

Marianne Carruth