6 voices offer gourmet sampler of operas on April 1

Six talented voices will express the highs and lows of turbulent love affairs with music from a hit parade of operas at the FYI: Opera program at Westlake Porter Library, 27333 Center Ridge Road on April 1. The program, which begins at 7:30 p.m., previews the 2014 Opera Scenes, a widely acclaimed program presented annually at the Cleveland Institute of Music.

David Bamberger, artistic director of the CIM Opera Theater said the program will include: a delightful duet from Mozart’s "The Marriage of Figaro"; an aria followed by a dramatic scene from Leoncavallo’s "Pagliacci"; Micaela’s aria from Bizet’s "Carmen"; and a marvelous duet from Massenet’s "Manon."

The singers’ performances are provided a fitting backdrop by Bamberger’s narration. His skillful art, knowledge and humor bring the works and the composers to life. CIM Music Director John Simmons will accompany the singers at the piano.

The program is part of the FYI: Opera series, which the Westlake-Westshore Arts Council has sponsored for more than a quarter of a century, offering the programs FREE to the public.

The FYI program offers an inviting sample of CIM’s fully costumed production Opera Scenes, which will be performed April 11, 12 and 13 at CIM’s Kulas Hall in University Circle. Information and tickets for CIM’s production are available at cim.edu/events/tickets.php or call 216-791-5000, ext. 411.