Colorado Light Opera"s 1997 production of The Pirates of Penzance.

When producer and Doctor of Musical Arts candidate Samuel Mungo decided to rename CU"s summer opera program, he wanted to choose a title that reflected its true impact. “I felt that the name Colorado Light Opera was more accurate than CU Opera in the Summer. The name of our program is really important in communicating its statewide impact to prospective performers and audience members.”

The summer opera program was founded in 1980 by Professor Dennis Jackson and was then called the Summer Music Festival. John Reed, OBE directed the festival in the 1980s.

Mr. Reed had also been principal comedian with the famed D"Oyly Carte Opera Company that premiered all of the Gilbert and Sullivan productions in the late 19th century. The CU program underwent several name changes through the years including being called the Colorado Gilbert & Sullivan Festival, the Lyric Theatre Festival, CU Opera in the Summer and, as of March 2006, Colorado Light Opera. Performers including students of voice, professional singers and community members audition in January and February each year for coveted lead roles.

As they have for over 25 years, over 4,500 audience members attended Colorado Light Opera performances last season. Although the performances still include many classic Gilbert and Sullivan works, many years the festival also includes more contemporary light opera and musical theatre. This year Colorado Light Opera presents two of Gilbert and Sullivan"s best: The Pirates of Penzance and Iolanthe July 7 to 30, featuring a talented cast of vocalists and a full orchestra conducted by Adam Flatt, associate conductor of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra.

In addition to these ticketed performances, Colorado Light Opera invites you to enjoy two free Brown Bag Previews. These fun and informal presentations feature members of the cast performing highlights from the shows with commentary from the directors. You"re welcome to bring your lunch and your friends! The Iolanthe preview will take place Wednesday, July 5 at noon and The Pirates of Penzance preview will be held Thursday, July 6 at noon. Both Brown Bag presentations will be held in Grusin Music Hall in the Imig Music Building. The full performances will be held in the Music Theatre in the lower level of the Imig Music Building.

For more information about these performances or the Brown Bag Previews, please call the CU Concerts Box Office at 303-492-8008 or visit www.cuconcerts.org. Tickets are still available for most performances and discounts are available for groups, seniors and youth.