Henderson State to host The Muses opera group Sept. 5

Henderson State University will host The Muses Project on Friday, Sept. 5, for a special cultural event in the newly renovated Harwood Recital Hall, located in the Russell Fine Arts Center. The two-hour event starts at 10 a.m. and is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required.

This program will feature excerpts from Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro performed by a touring cast of professional opera singers from across the country. Known for its artistry and educational mission, The Muses brings a vibrant operatic experience to audiences of all backgrounds.

The public is invited to attend the performance and a Q&A, and may also observe the masterclass, which will feature Henderson and Ouachita Baptist University music students receiving direct instruction and feedback from the visiting professional artists.

The Muses Project’s appearance is supported in part by a grant from the Cabe Foundation that helps further its mission to preserve classical art and music through high-quality performance and educational outreach. Its work enriches communities by providing access to the classical arts and inspiring the next generation of performers and patrons.

"The Muses Project has been entertaining and delighting Arkansas audiences for many years," said Dr. Bill Higgins, chair of performing arts at Henderson. "They frequently welcome Henderson students and alumni to perform with them, so I'm especially gratified and excited to host them on our campus. All who attend will enjoy a real treat of vocal artistry."

Based in Hot Springs, The Muses Project is a nonprofit performing arts organization committed to promoting the classical arts — music, theater, dance, and visual art — through performance and education. Its mission is to preserve the classical arts, inspire the human spirit, and enrich the cultural life of the community.

For more information about the group, go to themusesproject.org.