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Miguel, left, ponders how to defeat his rival for Manuelita's (right) affections while Vertigo (center) takes a nap after eating too much of his own cake in the one-act opera Pepito, presented to Sulphur Springs Middle School band and choir students at the Sulphur Springs High School Auditorium Thursday, Feb. 1. Staff photo by Tammy Vinson
Sulphur Springs Middle School band and choir students got a special treat Thursday morning when they got the chance to see a live opera performance, hosted by the Sulphur Springs Symphony League.
Three education outreach artists and their accompanist from the Dallas Opera traveled to Sulphur Springs, where they performed the one-act comedic opera “Pepito” at the Sulphur Springs High School Auditorium for around 200 Sulphur Springs Middle School band and choir students.
“Pépito” is a 1853 story of a young lady named Manuelita who loves a man named Pépito, but he’s away at war. She captures the attention of many, but she is determined to be true to her love. That is, until a letter arrives from Pépito and turns everything topsy turvy! This one-act comedy is full of fun, charm, and delightful music.
According to Christopher Leach, Dallas Opera’s Education Production Manager, this outreach not only delivers a good message to the students — “Stick with your values and everything will be ok” — it introduces opera to rural students who may never get to visit the Winspear Opera House in Dallas.
After the program, the opera singers introduced themselves and encouraged the students to continue their education. All of the performers in the opera hold multiple degrees and can each perform in at least five different languages.