'A Midwinter Night's Dream,' opera scenes Nov.19-20

The Augustana Chamber Orchestra and OperX will present "A Midwinter Night's Dream," opera scenes from British composers, Nov.19-20.

The program is a collaborative creation from the two ensembles It takes storytelling art songs by three different British composers — Henry Purcell, Gerald Finzi and Benjamin Britten — most of which have been orchestrated, and weaves them into an imaginative program using Shakespeare's comedy as its point of departure. The winterizing of the characters and drama will include a special lighting design.

"Pedagogically, it helps students to understand the dramatic weight that an intimate form like an art song can have if they give themselves to it fully," said Michelle Crouch, OperX director.

The Saturday evening performance will honor Dr. John Pfautz, professor of music, on his retirement.

"That seems especially apt, as it was John who began opera activities at Augustana something like 25 years ago, and to whom we owe a great deal of honor for his vision, creativity, and faithful years of service," said Crouch. "We hope this program and the festivities surrounding it will feel like a special gift to him."

"A Midwinter Night's Dream" will begin at 7:30 both nights in the Brunner Theatre Center. The program should last about an hour.

Tickets are  $14; or $12 for seniors and non-Augustana students; $10 for faculty and staff;  and $8 for children. Free for Augustana students.

All patrons must be masked.