Opus XIV will celebrate, showcase School of Music students’ talents

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Students of music will combine their talents to show benefactors of the School of Music that their funds are well spent during the 14th annual Opus celebration.

Central Michigan University’s School of Music and Bell Tower Society will host the gala on Saturday in the Music building.

“What started as a fundraiser for the School of Music 14 years ago is still continuing the celebration today,” said Salma Ghanem, dean of the College of Communication and Fine Arts, in an email. “Money goes toward music student scholarships, equipment and travel for various musical productions.”

The night, which is black tie optional, will welcome an estimated 300 university and community members, she said.

Ghanem said the event will start with a reception in the Janet Thorne Tuma Lobby, then continue with a Collage Concert featuring School of Music students in the Staples Family Concert Hall.

Following the concert, guests will be served dinner and dessert catered by the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort in the Norman C. Dietz Band Hall. Concluding the night will be an after party featuring a cash bar with dancing and socializing, she said.

The $125 fee per person includes a $75 tax-deductible contribution to the School of Music and covers everything during the event.

“This year we are celebrating the talent of our School of Music students,” Ghanem said. “Auditions took place in February for the Collage Concert that will feature music the students have worked on throughout the academic year.”

John Jacobson, director of music events, is excited for students to perform on Saturday night.

“Opus is such a wonderful event and a chance for the best students to be showcased in front of an appreciative audience,” Jacobson said.

East Lansing Sophomore Michael Fragale will perform “Vaghissima Sembianza” by Stefano Donaudy.

“It is a song that shows my range very well and I want to show our benefactors that their donations are being put toward good things,” Donaudy said.

Clarkston junior Tim Ginn and Holland senior Nicholas Visser will be the first classical guitarists to ever perform in Opus.

“I wanted to perform in Opus to further promote the CMU classical guitar studio, in hopes that it can continue to grow into a full program within the School of Music, with a full-time faculty member and Bachelor of Music degree,” Ginn said. “This is a hope for the future that is shared by my fellow students within the studio, which we are striving to achieve.”

Tickets may be purchased by contacting Christine Alwood, director of stewardship and donor relations. Tables of eight and ten are available, in addition to individual tickets.