03/01/11 kkh

HAYS, Kan. -- Love will be in the air during Fort Hays State University's opera's production of "Orfeo" at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 5, and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 6, in Felten-Start Theatre in Malloy Hall on the FHSU campus.

Composed in 1607 by Claudio Monteverdi during the transition between the Renaissance and the Baroque periods, "Orfeo" is a timeless tale of both love and loss and what one will do to get a love back, said Dr. Joseph Perniciaro (pronounced Pear-nih-CHAIR-oh), director of opera.

"It's a good piece for people if it's their first time because of the history behind this piece," he said. "People can appreciate it. It's a love story. It's a story about death and how far Orfeo will go to get back his love."

"This work is a true blending of styles that shows the harmonious integration of text and music," said Perniciaro. "Monteverdi's harmonic vocabulary complements the text particularly in dramatic moments, while using the virtuosic and ornamented singing style of the day beyond mere vocal pyrotechnics."

Tickets, which are $10 for adults and $5 for senior citizens and FHSU students with valid ID, are available at the Student Services Center in the Memorial Union and also at the door.

For more information, contact Perniciaro at 785-628-5329 or e-mail him at jcperniciaro@fhsu.edu.