Four of the South's noted opera singers will perform at Dillard University's first opera concert on Tuesday, April 13, at 7 p.m. in Lawless Memorial Chapel. This performance is free and open to the public.

"A Night at the Opera" will feature:

• Baritone Terrance Brown (pictured), a voice instructor at Dillard, whose appearance last fall at the Opera Louisiana Gala aired nationally on the Public Broadcasting System.
• Soprano Susan Ruggiero (pictured), the district winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council auditions in 2007 and 2009.
• Soprano Tiffany Bostic, regional finalist in the Metropolitan National Council auditions for three years.
• And Tenor Chauncey Parker, an artist renowned for his portryal of Sporting Life in "Porgy and Bess," who has performed at opera houses both European and American.

The Dillard University music department will also hold a master class with the four performers for area high school students and DU music majors at 11 a.m. on the day of the concert.

"We've planned this event to offer the community an opportunity to enjoy music that they don't always hear and to introduce a beautiful genre to high school music students," said Brown, who is organizing the events.

The performers will sing 12 songs from operas such as Charles-Francois Gounod's "Faust," Guiseppe Verdi's "Rigoletto," and Giacomo Puccini's "La Boheme."

For more information, contact Terrance Howard at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (205) 999-4774.