French opera, Peruvian story, performed in Texas

Local program’s summer opera announced

BASTROP – The William Lewis School of Opera has chosen “La Périchole” for this summer’s performance, highlighting local talent and singers from across the country.

Written by Jacques Offenbach, “La Périchole” is a joyous musical farce inspired by a true 18th century story from Peru, according to organizers. Opera performances will begin at 6:30 p.m. on August 4 and 5, hosted at the Jerry Fay Wilhelm Center for the Performing Arts.

The William Lewis School of Opera was founded in 1993 and includes the Franco-American Vocal Academy and the Austrian American Mozart Academy. The school specializes in opera summer programs whose mission is to discover, educate and inspire promising vocal talent.

The school claims to be a non-discriminatory organization that strives to include and guide anyone in their journey through opera. Performers include students from the University of Texas, Texas State University and Texas Tech University, as well as out-of-state talent from Oklahoma, Florida, Pennsylvania, Washington and Canada.

William Lewis himself is a professor at the University of Texas at Austin for the Butler School of Music. He is a heralded Metropolitan Opera tenor, having performed over one hundred thirty major operatic roles in ten languages at one of the world’s most famous opera houses.

The summer event at 1401 Cedar Street is free of charge, but those interested are asked to RSVP at favaopera.org, or call (512) 484-8969.