There is no rest for the wicked or the U of L Opera workshop.
The U of L Opera workshop just finished two successful performances of Hansel and Gretel and barely stopped for a breath before preparing for a special show on Sunday, Feb. 7 to help bring a large Syrian family to Lethbridge.
“ We usually try to take a week off, but when this show came up, everybody was so enthusiastic abut it. It is a small way we can contribute our talents. Besides , this is what we do, we sing,” said U of L Opera Workshop director Dr. Blaine Hendsbee.
The show, taking place Sunday, Feb. 7 at 3 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Anglican Church, is the second in a series of three fundraising shows to help bring a 14 member Syrian family to Lethbridge.
“This is a large collaborative effort between St. Augustines and several other Anglican churches and the University of Lethbridge,” said Brian Black who is helping spearheaded the group’s efforts to privately sponsor the family, who are scheduled to arrive within a month, if all goes smoothly.
“One of the sisters in the family and her husband were refugees and it’s their family,” he continued, noting They hope to raise a total of $140,000 which will support the family for a year while they get settled.
He said there there are 70 government sponsored refugee families in Lethbridge who arrived in January, this project is one of several private groups sponsoring other families.
The first of the concerts was Oct. 30.
“So far these have been successful,” he observed, noting the first concert raised $5,000.
The final concert is April 30 which will be featuring classical Persian music Rohub.
“ We‘re doing the Gondolieres : The King of Barataria. It’s Gilbert and Sullivan,” said soprano Sarah Curtis, who is excited to play a queen in a show, which will include selections from Verdi, Puccini’s La Boheme, Mozart’s Magic Flute as well as musical theatre like Les Miserables.
“It’s very complicated,” she continued, noting the group has been rehearsing for the show since September.
“It’s a lot of fun and it’s for a good cause,” she said.
“ There will be something for everyone. There will be lots of fun pieces but also some more serious heart rending pieces. it will be a great way to spend an afternoon,” Hendsbee promised.
“All 25 of the members were in Hansel and Gretel. It is the full opera workshop ensemble,” Hendsbee said.
The two hour concert begins at 3 p.m. and includes an intermission.
Tickets for the Feb. 7 concert are $20 regular, $10 for students and seniors with all proceeds being donated to the Syrian refugees
