BEMIDJI, Minn. – Opera Night Dinner, a scholarship event featuring Bemidji State University music education and vocal performance students, will be held Saturday, Feb. 23 in the Thompson Recital Hall of the Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex on the BSU campus.

A social hour will begin at 6 p.m. with a gourmet dinner and performances following at 7 p.m. The cost is $45 per person. Reservations must be secured in advance, preferably by Feb. 20. Ticket requests may be made in person at the BSU Department of Music Office, 201 Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex, or by phone at (218) 755-2915. A portion of the ticket price is a tax-deductible contribution to BSU.

Opera Night serves as the primary fund-raiser for the Elks Club Vocal Scholarship along with highlighting the vocal talent of BSU students and faculty. The evening will feature solo arias, duets and ensembles performed by students and BSU voice faculty. The program will include songs by Puccini, Verdi, Bizet, Mozart and others.

Dr. Fulton Gallagher, BSU professor emeritus, created Opera Night to bring great operatic literature to northern Minnesota. Since its inception over 20 years ago, audiences have continued to enjoy the tradition.

“People love the live music and our students really appreciate the opportunity perform,” said Jennifer Swanson, BSU assistant professor of vocal music and event coordinator. “The evening helps fund scholarships, which are so important to students, particularly music students who must juggle studies with several hours a day of practice. That can cut into time spent at jobs outside of school, which makes the scholarships even more important.”

For more information, contact the Department of Music at (218) 755-2915.

FOR YOUR CALENDAR
Feb. 23 – 6 p.m. – Opera Night Dinner and scholarship event presented by Bemidji State University. Location: Thompson Recital Hall of the Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex, BSU campus: Admission: $45, advance reservations required by Feb. 20; call (218) 755-2915.