Webster University’s Opera Studio performs

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Orfeo, played by junior vocal performance major Emma Sorenson, sings about his beloved Euridice, who died from a snake bite on their wedding day. Photo by Megan Favignano.

Emma Sorenson, a junior vocal performance major, sang in Italian as she walked across the stage of Nerinx Hall’s Heagney Theatre on Sunday night. Approximately 20 performers — dressed completely in white — stood still on stage as Sorenson sang the words “What absolute heaven.”

Webster University’s Opera Studio performed Jan. 20-22. The opera was comprised of scenes from the “The Medium” by Menotti, “Ruddigore” by Gilbert & Sullivan, “Susannah” by Carlisle Floyd and “Orfeo ed Euridice” by Gluck.

Jean Huber, a music department representative, said the Opera Studio is a great opportunity for students. She enjoyed watching their progress.

“I get to hear the rehearsals. I get to hear it from the beginning,” Huber said.

Sorenson said she was excited for her role as Orfeo in “Orfeo ed Euridice” because it was her first time playing a male character. She said in opera, women often play a “trouser role” – a male’s role.

“I had to change all my mannerism and it’s in a particularly low range for me,” Sorenson said. “That was challenging.”

For the full story on Webster’s Opera Studio program, check out the upcoming print edition of The Journal.

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