On April 4, VSU’s Department of Music hosted its Opera After Dark show “Vibrant Voices,” the department’s spring show. It showcased student, alumni and faculty talent in an impressive display of artistry and skill.

The show included selections from operas such as “Carmen”, “Don Giovanni”, “The Magic Flute” and “Queen of Spades”, among others. The show also included non-operatic performances from movies and Broadway performances such as “White Christmas,” “The Wiz” and “Annie Get Your Gun.”

The event was attended by students, staff, and sponsors alike, and guests who bought the full experience were treated to dinner and refreshments before and during the show, with seats closest to the stage. Those who wished to become sponsors were also given the opportunity to sign up during the event.

Both students and staff performed during the show, with solos by William Burnett, Caroline Goodwin, Annalisa Illian, and Susan Boddie. 

“As stressful as it is, it’s very invigorating.” Annalisa Illian, a senior vocal performance major, said. “It’s a very cool environment, very supportive, very understanding.”

“I love how everyone chooses different things.” Joley Myrick, a sophomore music education major, said. “Opera After Dark is a time for you to really use your personality and choose a piece that you love, and even just the opera productions are amazing. It’s really fun.”

“It’s the performance and the community outreach that makes opera really meaningful.” Dr. Mary-Beth Rousseau, chair member for the Opera Board, said.

There will be one other performance from the department for charity on Saturday, April 13, with their show “Lift Every Voice.”

Written by Bailey Wilson, Campus Life Editor. Photos Courtesy of Bailey Wilson.