OPUS Presents: Candide

Who are we?

OPUS (Opera Projects for Undergraduate Singers) was founded to provide undergraduate singers with the opportunity to learn and perform operatic roles in a collaborative and creative environment. OPUS’ previous productions have included Les Aventures du Roi Pausole by Honegger, The Old Maid and the Thief by Menotti, and most recently a production of Orpheus in the Underworld by Offenbach that was unfortunately canceled due to COVID-19. OPUS is a completely student-run organization that emphasizes student involvement in all aspects of an operatic production including elements of music directing and technical design.

Why are we raising funds?

Over the past few years, OPUS has unfortunately not been able to put on many productions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As we begin to navigate a sense of “post-pandemic” reality, OPUS is back and ready to share its projects with the Northwestern community once again. One of the main goals of OPUS is to provide free opera to the local community and because we never charge for performance tickets, we need help in the whole production process. Buying scores, costumes, and equipment for the production are all things that we would greatly appreciate help with. This fall, OPUS will be mounting a production of Leonard Bernstein’s Candide, an episodic adventure through Voltaire’s philosophy represented in fantastic events and endearing characters. 

How can you help?

By supporting our Catalyzer, you will be providing great aid into the undergraduate opera scene at Northwestern. By making a gift, OPUS will be able to produce its first in-person production since the fall of 2019. All funds will go directly to the creative production process in creating costumes, mounting sets, and purchasing scores for the singers. We greatly appreciate all the support the Northwestern community has given to OPUS in the past and we are now ready to get back onto the stage!