Southern University Music Program to present ‘Porgy and Bess’

Opera lovers in Baton Rouge and surrounding areas are in for a springtime treat. The Southern University Music Program will present George Gershwin’s great American opera, “Porgy and Bess,” on May 19 and May 20 at the Manship Theatre.

The cast represents an array of local talent and experience, including faculty and students from Southern, Louisiana State University, Southeastern Louisiana University, and Southern alumni. Students from Scotlandville Magnet High School have also been cast. Among professionals, the cast will feature Kearstin Piper Brown and Elvira Green, who have performed “Porgy and Bess” with the Metropolitan Opera and New York City Opera in Australia, Europe, South America.  Maestro Pacien Mazzagatti, presently conducting “L’Amore Dei Tre Re” by Montemezzi with the New York City Opera, will lead members of the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra in playing such classics as “Summertime” and “I Loves You, Porgy.

Performance times are Saturday, May 19 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 20 at 3 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the Manship Theatre box office. For more information, call the Manship at 1-866-451-2787.

To support the Southern University Music Program, contact the Southern University System Foundation at 225-771-3911 or go to foundation.sus.edu.