The Chamber Singers from Lone Star College-Montgomery will perform an opera for the first time ever on Friday, May 7, at 7:30 p.m., in the mainstage theatre (Building D). Their performance of Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas will start with a reception and preconcert talk at 7 p.m. in the Mary Matteson Parrish Art Gallery (Building D). Light refreshments will be served. The opera is free, but any proceeds earned from donations will go toward scholarships for music students.
 
During the reception, Dr. Earl Holt, chair of performing arts at LSC-Montgomery, will introduce the public to the mythology behind Dido and Aeneas and provide some historical context for the opera.

"We are so excited to be performing the first-ever opera at LSC-Montgomery,” said Dominick DiOrio, assistant professor of music at LSC-Montgomery and director of the Chamber Singers. “This will truly be a remarkable evening of stage and song, and we encourage you to come and hear the incredible sound our students.”
 
Dido and Aeneas is a stunning opera based on the mythological characters from Virgil's Aeneid.  It is a fun, humorous, and poignant tale about a queen, her Trojan prince, and the tragedy that fate has destined for them.
 
Starring in the opera are two fabulous professional sopranos: Lynelle Rowley and Penelope Campbell. The performance also features the talented Divisi Strings, who last performed with the LSC-Montgomery choirs at the Holiday Benefit Concert in December. Students in the music department will play solo roles, including baritone Jacob Kincaide in the role of Aeneas. The Chamber Singers sing throughout the opera, taking on different roles including sailors, witches, and fairies.  
    
Any donations received at the opera will go toward the music department scholarship program, which seeks to provide financial assistance to talented students who successfully audition into the Chamber Singers or Symphonic Band ensembles. The talented singers performing in the opera are all scholarship recipients, and it is with the continued support of gracious individuals that the music department can offer these students this opportunity.  

Currently, DiOrio is a doctoral candidate in choral conducting at Yale University. He received his master’s degree in choral conducting from Yale University in 2008, studying with noted professors Marguerite L. Brooks and Simon Carrington. DiOrio received his bachelor’s degree in composition from the Ithaca College School of Music in 2006, graduating summa cum laude.

For more information about the opera performance or the music department at LSC-Montgomery, contact Denise Meyers at (936) 273-7021 or visit www.LoneStar.edu/music-Montgomery.
 
LSC-Montgomery is located at 3200 College Park Drive, one-half mile west of Interstate 45, between Conroe and The Woodlands. For more information about the college, call (936) 273-7000, or visit www.LoneStar.edu/montgomery.
 
With more than 62,000 students in credit classes in spring 2010, Lone Star College System is the second largest and the fastest-growing community college system in Texas and the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area. LSCS consists of five colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, and LSC-Tomball, six centers, LSC-University Park, LSC-University Center at Montgomery, LSC-University Center at University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.