The CSB/SJU Opera Workshop presents ‘The Four Note Opera’

The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University Opera Workshop will be performing Tom Johnson's minimalist work "The Four Note Opera" beginning at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20 in the Colman Black Box Theater, Benedicta Arts Center, CSB.

The opera continues at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21; 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, all at the Colman Black Box Theater.

The "Four Note Opera" only uses four notes in their performances combined in a variety of ways producing recitatives, duets, arias and choruses. The four notes are D, E, A and B.

This opera is a parody on opera singers and their egos. It was first performed at the Cubiculo Theater in New York City on May 11, 1972. Johnson's score uses a piano for instrumental support of the singers. The opera was originally scored for soprano, alto, tenor, baritone and bass.

CSB/SJU's performance has been enlarged to include 16 students:  Dominic Cheung, Lucy Colosimo, Tim Fitzgerald, Thomas Friebe, Brianna Granby, Carrie Granby, Krystal Heinen, Samantha Hurrle, Kyle Lamb, Elizabeth Larson, Karen Mize, Jamie Reynolds, Johnathan Rhodes, Margaret Siegrist, Dylan Stewart and Erin Takle. Also featured is professional collaborative pianist Irina Stene. Thomas Speckhard, instructor of opera at CSB and SJU, serves as the director of this production. 

The "Four Note Opera" runs about 45 minutes and is a non-ticketed event, although donations are welcome. 

The CSB/SJU Opera Workshop performs an annual opera production in English.   For questions, please contact Carolyn Finley at 320-363-5906.