The Charles and Reta Ralph Opera Center and the CSU Sinfonia Orchestra are putting on II Matrimonio Segreto (The Secret Marriage) by Domenico Cimarosa on Oct. 27, Nov. 2  and 3 at 7:30 p.m. They are also putting on a matinee performance on Nov. 4 at 2 p.m. The Griffin Concert Hall is located in the University Center of the Arts at 1400 Remington St.

The play is based on The Clandestine Marriage by George Colman and David Garrick, this opera in two acts tells the light-hearted tale of love triangles and romantic intrigue in 18th century Bologna.

CSU’s production is directed by Tiffany Blake and conducted by Leon Burke and is sung in Italian with English supertitles.

“I chose this piece because it is so well suited to the voices we currently have in our program,” noted CSU opera director Tiffany Blake. “Additionally, it is a very funny show, with lots of beautiful music and a fun plot – it’s a chance to enjoy stepping outside of the box by using contemporary references to create something with an immediate, contemporary feel that will surprise audience members.”

Also an integral part of the production is the collaboration with the CSU theatre program which is essential to making the director’s vision of scenic design, costumes, lighting, the sound and digital media a reality.

“These elements create the world in which great performances take place,” notes UCA technical director Cory Seymour. “Our aim is to balance all these elements perfectly to ultimately tell the story in a way that honors and celebrates the director’s vision.”

Tickets are $20 for the public, $10 for Colorado State students, and $1 for youth ages 2 to 17. Tickets are available at the new University Center for the Arts (UCA) Ticket Office in the UCA Griffin Lobby, by phone at 970-491-2787, or online at www.CSUArtsTickets.com. Advance purchase is recommended to avoid at-the-door fees.

Gala 

The Colorado State Opera and Sinfonia Orchestra will honor Charles & Reta Ralph on Friday, October 26, 7:30 p.m. in the Griffin Concert Hall at the University Center for the Arts, 1400 Remington St. The gala will celebrate the new Ralph Opera Center at Colorado State Universitywith performances of opera choruses, arias, and scenes by alumni, faculty, and special guest artists. The center is named in honor of Charles and Reta Ralph for their generous and continuing support of opera at Colorado State University, the Center provides programmatic support and professional development opportunities, as well as a broad scholarship support system for students studying vocal performance. The event is free but advanced tickets are required.