UNC Opera Theatre Performing Mozart Production

Tim Wenger | October 31, 2014

University of Northern Colorado Opera Theatre presents three performances of Mozart’s Die Entführung aus dem Serail (the Abduction from the Seraglio) at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21-23 at Langworthy Theatre in Frasier Hall,

1710 9th Ave. UNC’s production promises to deliver a delightful new take on the acclaimed original that premiered in 1782, which Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph II, who commissioned it, complained contained “too many notes.” “UNC’s production will be a very different experience, even for the savvy opera-goer,” said Brian Clay Luedloff, Director of Opera Theater for UNC, who re-worked the dialogue from its original singspiel length to focus the action on Mozart’s wonderful music. “I think the novice opera-goer will feel more like they’re attending an evening of musical theater—albeit in German,” he said, “and they’ll be relieved to know that we’ll be providing English supertitles for the performances.” Conductor Kenneth Singleton wrote the orchestra transcription that reveals new tones and timbres. “His editions are always faithful to the intention of the original, but give the work a fresh, new voice with the wind ensemble,” Luedloff said. In addition, the design team is creating a whimsical, larger-than-life Turkish harem for the setting, as seen through the lens of the late 18th century fascination with all things Eastern. Die Entführung tells the story of Belmonte, a Spanish nobleman, and his quest to rescue his beloved Constanze, who has been captured by pirates and bought by the grand Pasha Selim. Together with her maid, Blonde, and Blonde’s sweetheart, Pedrillo, Constanze is being held against her will in the Pasha’s household. When Belmonte discovers their location, he rushes to the palace of the Pasha and, assisted by Pedrillo, concocts a plan to sieze back the abducted trio. Full of all the excitement of The Arabian Nights, Die Entführung contains an abundance of gloriously florid arias and majestic music, a shining example of everything we love about Mozart. To Go Die Entführung is directed by Brian Clay Luedloff and conducted by Dr. Kenneth Singleton.

Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21-23, at 7 at Langworthy Theatre in Frasier Hall, 1710 9th Ave. Tickets can be purchased at the UNC Performing Arts Box Office at (970) 351-2200 or by

emailing [email protected].

Tags: mozart, University of Northern Colorado, University of Northern Colorado Opera Society, Dr. Kenneth Singleton, Brian Clay Luedloff