Carlisle Floyd's Susannah at North Park University

"It has been speculated that the opera was inspired by McCarthyism, a period of intense fear of communism in America during the early 1950s. The opera also contains many feminist themes that had not been widely explored in popular culture at the time of the opera?s writing. Floyd has claimed that this opera, like his other operas, was meant to be different from a traditional opera. The music is largely characterized by Appalachian folk melodies. Also included are some Protestant hymns and some traditional classical music. A particularly prominent part of the opera is Susannah?s soaring and melancholy aria Ain't it a Pretty Night (Renee Fleming has a very popular and beautiful recording of this aria) in Act II, which is similar to Appalachian folk tunes, but is in fact Floyd's own composition."

The NPU lecture Hall Auditorium is located on the southeast corner of Foster and Kedzie. Parking is available on the east side of Kedzie or on-street. The CTA Foster Bus runs in front of NPU.

The performance is at 7:30. I have reserved a table at the Tre Kroner restaurant (3258 W. Foster) just across from campus at 6:00. Please note in your RSVP if you plan on attending dinner with us.

Tickets are $15 (general public), $10 (seniors), and $5 (any student id). Information and ticket reservations are available at 773-244-5625, call during business hours.