The DePaul Opera Theatre (DOT) brings one of Mozart’s richest and most original operas to the stage in March with a production of “Idomeneo.” Set in the realm of Trojan War gods and legends, the opera will be presented for three performances in English. The work is directed by Harry Silverstein, with orchestra led by British conductor Stephen Barlow. Opening night is March 11 at 7:30 p.m., followed by an evening performance on March 12, also at 7:30 p.m., and a matinee performance on March 13 at 2 p.m., at DePaul’s Merle Reskin Theatre, 60 E. Balbo Drive, Chicago.

DOT, a highly regarded training ground for students seeking a future on the musical stage, has been under the stewardship of Silverstein since its creation at DePaul’s School of Music in 1987. The troupe presents two fully staged opera productions during the school year. The spring production is always the more elaborate of the two offerings, and involves detailed set and costume designs. Creating the period-inspired look for “Idomeneo” is costume designer Holly Windingstad, a member of DePaul’s Theatre School faculty. Theatre School graduate Noelle Hathaway conceived the colorful abstract set designs for this production.

Seven principal singers and 36 choristers will appear in “Idomeneo.” Silverstein, regarded as a Mozart specialist, knows well the difficulties inherent in mounting a production of “Idomeneo.” “The vocal demands of the score are fierce,” said Silverstein, “yet with my current group of extraordinarily talented singers, I am fully confident that they will find success in this highly rewarding and entertaining piece of music.”

Voice majors Rashard Deleston and Charles Hart alternate in the title role of Idomeneo, the king of Crete. Courtney McKeown and Ericka Schmiess alternate in the role of Idamante, his son. Alternating as Ilia, Princess of Troy, are Hyun Suk Jang and Janai Brugger. The role of Elettra, Princess of Argos, is shared by Rebekah Camm and Su Hyoun Kim. All of these singers are seniors and graduate students.

Composer/conductor Barlow will lead an ensemble drawn from DePaul’s nationally recognized Symphony Orchestra. In demand worldwide as an opera and orchestral conductor, Barlow made his Chicago debut in DOT performances of Bizet’s “Carmen” in March of 2004. His first American appearances date from 1990, when he led San Francisco Opera performances of Strauss’s “Capriccio” with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.

“Idomeneo,” a dramma per musica in three acts, was one Mozart’s rare ventures into the world of opera seria—an opera with a heroic or legendary subject. Unlike his predecessors, who pared opera down to its dramatically essential elements, Mozart penned a score with rich orchestral writing, an abundance of expressive recitative and grandly conceived choral scenes. The premiere of “Idomeneo,” twice postponed, took place on Jan. 25, 1781, in Munich, two days after Mozart’s 25th birthday. Although the performance was generally well received, the opera was performed publicly on only four occasions during Mozart’s lifetime.

“Idomeneo” is a story of confused emotions between father and son, conflicts of duty between men and gods, and the jealousy and desperation inherent to love triangles through the ages. Idomeneo, king of Crete, was one of the most celebrated heroes of the Trojan War.

Tickets for “Idomeneo” are on sale now at the Merle Reskin Theatre box office or by calling 312/922-1999. Tickets are $20 and $25 for the main floor and $5 for balcony seats. Discounts are available for students, seniors and groups of 15 or more. DePaul students and employees with identification are entitled to two free tickets if requested and picked up at the box office on the day of the performance. For more information about this and other DePaul music events, please call the DePaul School of Music at 773/325-7260.

Founded in 1912, DePaul’s School of Music is dedicated to excellence in music teaching and performance. The nationally recognized school offers high-caliber, challenging programs of study taught by 128 distinguished faculty members who bring a wealth of professional music experience and knowledge to DePaul. Faculty members perform in many of Chicago’s renowned music organizations, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera, Chicago Chamber Musicians and Jupiter Trio.