Opera Penned by Lewis Professor Set to Premiere at Carnegie Hall

Editor's note: The following is a press release issued by Lewis University.

The Remarkable Theatre Brigade Company is performing “Loving Is” as part of the Opera Shorts concert Nov. 4 at Carnegie Hall. The opera scene is the work of Mike McFerron, music professor and composer-in-residence at . Opera Shorts is a highly acclaimed concert series of 10-minute operas that have featured the music of highly regarded composers, including Pulitzer Prize and Academy Award winner John Corigliano and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer William Bolcom.

McFerron began working on the scene in collaboration with Jonathan Yordy, executive director of major gifts at Lewis University, over a year ago. Featuring a libretto by Yordy, “Loving Is” was inspired by the legendary story of Tristan and Isolde that has enchanted audiences since the 12^th Century.

“The story of Tristan and Isolde provided a great springboard for me and Jonathan to comment upon some of life’s most fundamental questions regarding desire, free will, faith and fidelity,” said McFerron.  In “Loving Is,” Tristan goes mad with violent jealousy upon suspicion that his lover, Isolde, has fallen in love with another.

Local audiences will have an opportunity to hear the second performance of “Loving Is” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 22 when The Remarkable Theater Brigade Company brings Opera Shorts to Lewis University as part of the Arts & Ideas Performing Arts Series. Visit www.remarkabletheaterbrigade.com for more information.