ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University Opera will present the dinner and show event, Michael Ching’s “Speed Dating Tonight!”

This comic, one-act opera was conceived after a conversation with character tenor and stage director, Dean Anthony and premiered in 2013. The opera doesn’t include any actual speed dating, but is meant to reflect the real-life quirks of modern dating and is comprised of 90-second “dates” which are brief arias and duets. 

For new performances, it is Ching’s practice to write a new “date” with some local flavor. Northern Opera Theater is excited for the premier of the “Chislic Aria!” The Opera Workshop students enjoyed a four-day residency with Ching in November, during which he provided coaching to the talent and slight modifications to the chosen “dates.” 

Michael Ching is an American composer, conductor and music administrator. Ching is known for his operas such as “Buoso’s Ghost,” a sequel to “Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi,” and “Corps of Discovery.” Ching was artistic/general director of Memphis Opera from 1992 to 2010. Now a freelance composer, he is also in demand as an opera coach and conductor.

The event will take place Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, 2019, at 6:30 p.m. at the Ward Hotel in conjunction with Roma’s Ristorante Italiano.

Tickets are $35 per person and covers meal, tip and tax, and show ticket. 60 seats are available for both showings, and will be available online until 4 hours before the first showing.Purchase tickets online here or purchase at the door before the show using cash or check.

About Northern State University

Northern State University is a regional university that offers outstanding academics and exceptional extracurricular activities at an affordable price on a safe, welcoming campus. Northern State recently announced its Educational Impact Campaign with a goal of raising $55 million for a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, new athletic and recreation fields, and an on-campus regional sports complex. Once the campaign is complete, NSU will be the recipient of more than $100 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.