Opera Up Close, a presentation of opera works paired with food and wine, presents “The Animal Instinct” performance at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 24, at The Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University.
Selections will feature works that salute animals in song, including Aaron Copland’s “I Bought Me a Cat,” Tom Lehrer’s “Poisoning Pigeons in the Park,” Georges Bizet’s “Vôtre Toast” from “Carmen,” Maurice Ravel’s “Le Paon,” Flanders & Swann’s “The Armadillo,” and others.
Guests will be seated on the stage for an unparalleled vantage point. Producer John Concepcion, a member of the Lyric Opera Chorus, will narrate the event, providing plot points, historical tidbits and trivia about the operas and composers.
Joining him will be baritone Carl Frank, soprano Susan Nelson, mezzo-soprano Emily Price, tenor Joseph Shadday and pianist Paul Hamilton.
Tickets are $55. Between songs, guests will be sampling vegetarian treats, including warm spinach and artichoke dip, caramelized onion and chevre tart, exotic mushroom arancini and more. Wine selections are available for purchase.
Tickets may be purchased online at www.centertickets.net or by calling (708) 235-2222.
