For release: November 18, 2011
For press information, contact Carol Morse, 901-678-2279

The University of Memphis Opera at the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music will present Idomeneo by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart on December 2 and 4, 2011. The opera tells the story of Idomeneo, King of Crete who returns home after the siege of Troy.  Because of a vow to save his life, he has to sacrifice the life of his son, Idamante, to appease the god Neptune. Complicating matters, Idamante is in love with Trojan prisoner-of-war Ilia and loved by Greek princess Electra.

The company’s production will emulate the violence that Mozart incorporated in the composition of Idomeneo. He used the post-Trojan War heroes to add his own battle cry to the Enlightenment philosophers, artists, scientists and statesmen of the day. Just as Mozart's Trojan War is the background for his artistic lunge, his opera is the background for exploration of the movement from one generation to another and the violence of letting go.

Copeland Woodruff directs the opera. Mark Ensley is the conductor.

Ticket information:
Friday, December 2 at 7:30 p.m.   
Sunday, December 4 at 3:00 p.m.
Harris Concert Hall, University of Memphis Campus, 3775 Central Avenue
Ticket prices are $10 General Admission; $7 Non-U of M Students and Seniors; Free to U of M Students, Faculty and Staff with ID.

Ticket purchases at 901.678-1651 or at the Harris Concert Hall box office.The Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music at the University of Memphis offers Bachelor’s through Doctoral degrees in 29 areas of concentration.  The School has the distinction of being Tennessee’s only doctoral degree-granting program in music. We are dedicated to preparing students for careers in music by instilling in them the importance of thorough and thoughtful preparation in all musical endeavors and by engaging them in a comprehensive learning experience. We punctuate study with a wide variety of performance opportunities within the School, the community and internationally. This total immersion approach is realized by faculty members who have active careers in performance, recording and publishing – experience that fosters truth and integrity in music.