School of Music invites guests to the opera

Liberty University’s School of Music will perform “I Pagliacci” (The Clowns), a fast-paced Italian opera translated into English, at the Tower Theater, Jan. 15-19. Show times for the five performances are Jan. 15, 16, 17, and 19 at 7:30 p.m. and Jan. 18 at 2:30 p.m.

Set in a small Italian village, “I Pagliacci” follows the tumultuous love story between Canio and Nedda — who also attracts the attention of two other suitors, Tonio and Silvio. As the story unfolds, it captivates audiences with gossip, unrequited love, and revenge.

Jason Nichols, a worship major who plays Canio, said this role has helped him grow as an artist.

“This role has given me a personal understanding of what somebody can go through in a tragedy, and how he or she can react to that,” he said. “Opera brings you into your character, and you have to portray what they are going through.”

“This musical score is outstanding, and the melding of the drama is on a superior artistic level,” said Dr. Wayne Kompelien, professor of voice. “The show is moving — full of passion and interesting characters.”

He added that the show includes a play-within-a-play, where part of the story includes characters putting on a performance for the other characters on stage.

Kompelien said this particular opera is quite demanding, and he is impressed that undergraduate students were able to accomplish the task.

“These students have worked very hard and are excited about their opportunity to present this,” he said. “ We also are going to include, in the tradition of Italian opera, a short intermezzo after intermission, in which our students present a few other operatic works.”

• Tickets for the opera can be purchased online via the Liberty University Ticket Office or by calling (434) 582-2245.