Fresh off the heels of a successful season debut, the New Orleans Opera Association once again enlists Loyola University New Orleans students and alumni for its upcoming production of Benjamin Britten’s opera “Noah’s Flood.”
The opera is set for Friday, Nov. 15, Saturday, Nov. 16 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 17 at 2:30 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church in New Orleans.
Loyola senior Kameron Lopreore and graduate student Veronica Sharkey have major roles, with tenor Lopreore as Sem and mezzo-soprano Sharkey as Mrs. Jaffett. Loyola alumni also have starring roles in the opera. Baritones Rahim Mandal ’13 and Taylor Miller ’09 play the roles of Noah’s sons, Ham and Jaffett. Soprano JeAnne Swinley ’11 and mezzo-soprano Givonna Joseph ’80 star as Gossips.
Based on Alfred W. Pollard’s edition of an early 15th century play from the Chester Mystery Cycle, Britten’s hour-long opera unites professional and amateur musicians in a portrayal of the biblical story of the Great Flood and the building of Noah’s ark. The professional cast includes WDSU News anchor Norman Robinson as the voice of God, as well as leading regional performers, artists from the Metropolitan Opera and soloists from the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.
The performance includes accompaniment by the Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra, directed by Loyola’s own Jean Montes, D.M.A, as well as participation by the Trinity Episcopal Bell Choir and a chorus comprised of local K-12 students.
Students receive a 10 percent discount on advance ticket purchases, excluding box seats. A 50 percent discount is available to any student who purchases tickets at the box office within 30 minutes of the performance. A valid student ID is required for both discounts. Information and tickets are available online or by calling 504-529-3000.