Katie Vargo Will Be Performing Opera Scenes from Mozart to Gilbert and Sullivan at Ashland University

ASHLAND, OH (03/16/2011)(readMedia)-- Katie Vargo of Painesville, OH is a mezzo-soprano in the Ashland University Choir and will be performing opera scenes from Mozart to Gilbert and Sullivan along with 11 Ashland University students. Performances are free and open to the public and are scheduled for Friday, April 1st and Saturday, April 2nd at 7:30p.m. At the Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall.

Vargo is the daughter of Daniel and Lisa Schmidt and is majoring in music education.

Under the direction of Stephanie Sikora, associate professor of music and head of the voice area in the Department of Music at Ashland University, this annual event promises great music and fun.

Featuring scenes from nine different operas each evening, the program presents scenes from Mozart's Le nozze di Figaro (The marriage of Figaro) and Cosi fan tutte, Donizetti's L'elisir d'amore (The Elixir of Love), Gilbert and Sullivan's lolanthe and Mikado, and Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel. Scenes from more contemporary operas include Menotti's The Old Maid and the Thief, Loesser's The Most Happy Fella and Bernstein's Candide, which features a performance with the Ashland University Chamber Singers.

For more information about the opera scenes and other music department performances, visit www.ashland.edu/music or contact Tricia Applegate, Coordinator of performing arts publicity and events, at 419-289-5950 or tapplega@ashland.edu .

Ashland University (www.ashland.edu) is a mid-sized, private institution conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland, and Columbus, Ohio. Ashland University values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong, applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students.