Written when Mozart was only 25, this operatic masterpiece filled with stunning arias, choruses, and ensembles, brings the myth of Idomeneo to life. On his way home at last from the Trojan War, the King of Crete, Idomeneo, is shipwrecked at sea. In desperation, he promises to sacrifice the first creature he finds if he safely survives the storm. However, in a twist worthy of the greatest Greek tragedies, it is his son, Idamante, he first encounters along the beach. Sung in Italian with English Surtitles.

Before each performance, JMU Director of Opera Theatre Joshua Borths will share his insights about the work, starting one hour before curtain and lasting 30 minutes. 

Jason Haney was chosen as a National Merit Scholar in 1988. His latest CD, Resonant Edges, was recently released by  Capstone Records. (It is also available from Amazon.) His music has been performed at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Scotia Festival, Music2000 in Cincinnati, the Composers Inc. concert series in San Francisco, Richmond’s ChamberFest,  the Staunton Music Festival, and elsewhere throughout the US, as well as in Canada, Europe and Hong Kong, and by groups such as the New Millennium Ensemble, the Chester Quartet, the Sunrise Quartet, Colloquy, and the Indiana University New Music Ensemble.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a Tony Award and Drama Desk Award-winning musical comedy about a group of pre-teenagers competing in a spelling bee. The story follows the contestants as they navigate the pressures of the tournament, share personal stories, and learn that there’s more to life than winning. This show is directed and produced by JMU students.  Contains adult language and sexual content.  Parental discretion is advised. The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).  All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com