Baylor Opera Presents Cabaret of Famed Songs from the Roaring Twenties

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WACO, Texas (April 10, 2013) - From Puccini to Porter, a collection of beloved songs from stage productions will be presented by vocalists of Baylor Opera Theater in "Underground Opera: The Roaring Twenties." These performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. April 12-13 in Roxy Grove Hall of Waco Hall, 624 Speight Ave.

Octavio Cárdenas, director of opera at Baylor, collaborated with Jeffrey Peterson, Ph.D., assistant professor of voice in Baylor's School of Music, and pianist Stephanie Mettler to make these cabaret performances possible. "Every song in this program is like a little opera. The lyrics and the music tell complete stories by themselves," Cárdenas said.

The following songs will be part of the program for these performances:
' "Alexander's Ragtime Band," by Irving Berlin.
' "Begin the Beguine," by Cole Porter and introduced by June Knight in the 1935 musical "Jubilee."
' "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," by Don Raye and Hughie Prince.
' "Boom Boom," by Zina Goldrich
' "But Not for Me," by George and Ira Gershwin for the musical "Girl Crazy."
' "In the Mood," famously performed by Glennis Miller in 1939, although the big band song was written a decade earlier.
' "In the Still of the Night," by Cole Porter for the movie "Rosalie."
' "It's De-Lovely," by Cole Porter for the musical "Red Hot and Blue."
' "Just Another Rhumba," by George and Ira Gershwin
' "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off," by George and Ira Gershwin for the film "Shall We Dance," where it was introduced by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
' "Mack the Knife," by Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht for their 1928 "The Threepenny Opera."
' "Moonlight Serenade," by Glenn Miller and Mitchell Parish.
' "Naughty Baby," by George and Ira Gershwin
' "Night and Day," by Cole Porter for his musical "Gay Divorce," which was Fred Astaire's last Broadway show.
' "O mio babbino caro" (Oh My Beloved Father), by Giacomo Puccini for his 1918 opera "Gianni Schicchi."
' "Puttin' on the Ritz," by Irving Berlin in 1929, but later made famous in a film by the same title with Fred Astaire.
' "So in Love," by Cole Porter for the musical "Kiss Me, Kate."
' "Someone to Watch Over Me," by George and Ira Gershwin for their 1926 "Oh, Kay!"
' "Steppin' Out with My Baby," by Irving Berlin, but later made famous by Fred Astaire in the musical film "Easter Parade."
' "They Can't Take That Away from Me," by George and Ira Gershwin for the film "Shall We Dance," where it was introduced by Fred Astaire.

These performances are free and open to the public. For more information, call the Baylor University School of Music at (254) 710-3991.

by Brent Salter, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian university and a nationally ranked research institution, characterized as having "high research activity" by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The university provides a vibrant campus community for approximately 15,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating university in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 11 nationally recognized academic divisions. Baylor sponsors 19 varsity athletic teams and is a founding member of the Big 12 Conference.

ABOUT THE BAYLOR SCHOOL OF MUSIC
The Baylor University School of Music provides transformational experiences that prepare students for careers in music. Students thrive in a Christian environment characterized by a nurturing resident faculty, an unwavering pursuit of musical excellence, a global perspective, dedication to service, and devotion to faith. They investigate the rich musical and cultural heritage of the past, develop superior musical skills and knowledge in the present, and explore and create new modes of musical expression for the future. While preparing for future leadership roles, students join with School of Music faculty in enhancing the quality of community life, enriching the larger culture, and making Baylor a place in which heart, mind and soul coalesce.

The School of Music of Baylor University is a member of the National Association of Schools of Music and the Texas Association of Music Schools. Degree programs leading to the bachelor of music education degree conform to certification requirements of the Texas Education Agency.