Three tenors from Chapman University to perform in LA Opera production

Three Chapman University Conservatory of Music alumni – let’s just call them our own “Three Tenors” — will perform this weekend, Friday and Saturday, March 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m., in
the Los Angeles Opera’s
production of “The Festival Play of Daniel” at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles.

The performances will be conducted by
James Conlon
, the internationally acclaimed music director of L.A. Opera, who holds an honorary doctorate from Chapman. Tenors Ashley Faatoalia ’06, Robert MacNeil ’93 and Ben Bliss ’09 will solo in the family performances of the medieval musical drama, which was offered free with advance ticket registration. Bliss is currently a member of the LA Opera’s Domingo-Thornton Young Artist Program.

“The Festival Play of Daniel” will bring together several hundred professional and volunteer performers to tell the story of the courageous Old Testament prophet Daniel.  Dating from the early 13th century, the play is a liturgical drama with music, first performed by monastic students at the Cathedral of Beauvais, north of Paris.  The original composers are unknown.

Tickets are currently all reserved, but check the cathedral’s
website
for possible updates on ticket availability.

The annual LA Opera performances at the Cathedral are a key feature of the company’s community outreach programming.

“Across America and around the world, classical music is fighting to keep its audience and to introduce new audiences to classical music in every from chamber orchestras, opera and string quartets to full symphonies,” said
Placido Domingo
, the opera company’s general director. “Presenting community opera performances that Los Angeles families can enjoy together is one way for us to do this.”