Opera Scene recital to be performed Feb. 19

Furman University music department will present an “Opera Scene Recital” on Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 8 p.m. in the Daniel Recital Hall on campus.

The recital is free and open to the public. It is hosted and led by Bruce Schoonmaker, director of the Furman Opera Theatre.

Suitable for the entire family, the selections offer a variety of dramatic and musical creations from some of the great composers for the operatic and musical theater stage. The recital features scenes from operas “Carmen,” “The Magic Flute,” “The Marriage of Figaro,” “The Medium,” and “Idomeneo.” Two scenes from musical comedies will also be performed, “The Most Happy Fella,” and “The Fantasticks.” Furman students perform the scenes. Furman music faculty member David Gross plays piano.

Schoonmaker is a Furman music studies graduate and holds a doctorate and master’s in music from Northwestern University. He performs frequently in the southeastern United States. His combination of vocalism and dramatic style has entertained audiences of the Greenville Chorale, Charlotte Symphony, Greenville Symphony, Opera Carolina and the Oratorio Singers of Charlotte. From 1983 to 1996 he was leading baritone with the Brevard Music Festival. In addition to directing Furman’s Opera Theatre, Schoonmaker teaches voice and opera studies. Schoonmaker made his New York City debut in 2004, singing with the New York City Chamber Orchestra in a performance at the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine.

For more information about the recital, call the Furman Music Office at 864-294-2086.