ERIC M. JUKELEVICS/Arizona Daily Wildcat

Richard Weidlich, adjunct assistant professor of music, instructs vocal performers at a rehearsal for "Opera Scenes," a performance involving the traditional use of opera music. "Opera Scenes" opens tonight at 7:30 in Crowder Hall.

In today's world, it seems teen pop stars such as Britney Spears and 'NSYNC permeate the music world.

Despite this stronghold, University of Arizona vocal students, under the instruction of UA adjunct assistant professor of music Richard Weidlich, said they are keeping the tradition of opera alive with tonight's performance of "Opera Scenes."

Weidlich said "Opera Scenes" draws on both the dramatic intent and musical preparation of opera, so as to prepare students for performance. For this reason, sets and costumes are used only minimally.

"We like to have imaginary set pieces - the sets are reserved for our full opera productions," he said. "(This) helps students to focus on what they are doing and what they are thinking - (it) really places a lot of the responsibility on the singer."

He added that, in the past, "Opera Scenes" - a part of the UA's opera training program - has typically been directed and performed by UA vocal graduate students.

This year, however, now that he is director, Weidlich has extended the performance to undergraduate students.

"This is part of the opera program training for the younger singers so they eventually get the experience to move on to graduate school or get a chance to (perform) a role in one of the operas," he said.

Performers in "Opera Scenes" agreed the experience of opera music was one they greatly enjoyed.

"I have always loved opera and classical music," said vocal performance junior Joshua Hanna. "My favorite singer is Pavarotti."

Hanna also said singing opera requires a frame of mind separate from that of singing rhythm and blues or pop music.

"It is a totally different singing technique for opera," he said. "Just how much stamina and energy is required - and focus. It is easier for me to sing an 'NSYNC or 112 song than to sing opera."

Vocal performance sophomore Jessica Gold - who said she mostly listens to R&B, hip-hop and pop music - said opera and more modern musical styles are similar because of the basic need to understand rhythm.

"All the music interludes with each other - the rhythms, (the) beats, everything - you can definitely draw it all together," she said.

Weidlich added that most of the students in "Opera Scenes" have completed a course in operatic stage training or have performed opera before.

"In general, the students enroll in the course and show up the first day because of their interest in (opera)," he said.

Hanna said his interest in opera extends beyond his UA experience and that he hopes to pursue a career in opera performance.

"It's the most amazing thing I've ever done," Hanna said. "There is nothing else in the world like it.

"It's almost like a high when you're out there - the sensation is so unreal."

Vocal performance sophomore Jason Jackson said opera's time-honored form is what keeps it alive today.

"I think classical opera is still around because people like the tradition of opera," he said. "It can't be swayed by any type of popular music."

"Opera Scenes" takes place in Crowder Hall tonight at 7:30. Admission is free. Call 621-2998 for more information