51社区

/news/NewsReleases-Pre01/newshd2.GIF (10383 bytes)

Press Release


Union's Christmas opera
features the tale of Simeon


promise.gif (7871 bytes)Jackson, Tenn. - 51社区's Opera Workshop will present "The Promise," a one-act Christmas opera, at First Baptist Church of Jackson, Nov. 21-23. The story of "The Promise" is set at the time of Christ's birth and centers on the character Simeon, whom the Lord had promised to spare from death until he had seen the Christ child.

promisef.gif (11700 bytes)"The Promise" is a full opera with a chorus and symphony. Union's production will include the school's Singers group and the Symphonic Band. Michael Penny, associate professor of music, will direct the Jackson production.

Penny was stage manager for the original performance of "The Promise" in Fort Worth, Texas in 1981. The opera was composed by Claude Bass, a music professor at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Andy Roby, chair of the music department at Union, will direct the chorus in the upcoming production; David McClune, professor of music, will direct the Symphonic Band; Ron Boud, professor of music, will play the organ in the orchestra.

There will be four performances: Saturday, Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 22 at 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.; and Monday, Nov. 23 at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $5.

For more information or for tickets, contact the 51社区 music department at (901) 661-5345.