UMSL Opera Theatre Presents 'The Clever Artifice of Harriet and Margaret' This Weekend

Vocal performance students at the University of Missouri-St. Louis have tackled some classic operatic works over the past decade through UMSL Opera Theatre, an ensemble led by faculty member Stella Markou. In 2011 UMSL Opera Theatre presented “The Marriage of Figaro,” and two years ago the group’s “Pirates of Penzance” tied for first place in a National Opera Association production competition. But this weekend the student performers are showcasing a more contemporary work at the campus’ Touhill Performing Arts Center. Titled “The Clever Artifice of Harriet and Margaret,” it’s a one-act chamber opera from composer Leanna Kirchoff that’s been described as a “cat-and-mouse conversation between two rivals.” In this segment, host Sarah Fenske gets a preview of the show from Markou, who is an associate professor of music and the director of vocal studies at UMSL. The conversation also includes upperclassman Lexi Neal, who has a leading role in the production. In addition to the on-air discussion, this segment features highlights from a recent rehearsal by the cast.