Now in its 18th year, DePaul Opera Theatre (DOT) continues to serve as a dynamic training ground for students seeking careers in opera and on the theater stage. Directed by Harry Silverstein since its inception in 1987, DOT enables its members to obtain experience and exposure—both essential components of their craft. In turn, as a showcase for young singers, audiences can glimpse the up-and-coming generation of artistic talent. During the course of the academic year, DOT presents two major opera productions. This season, the first of these productions is the Chicago premiere of Pier Francesco Cavalli’s 17th century masterpiece, “L’Egisto”. Free, public performances are Sept. 23 at 7:30 p.m., and Sept. 25 at 2 p.m. in the DePaul Concert Hall, 800 W. Belden Ave., Chicago.

The significance of Cavalli in the history of musical theater should not be underestimated. It was this Italian composer, who, barely two years after the birth of public opera in 1637, organized the first opera company at the Teatro San Cassiano in Venice, and became the undisputed master of this new art form. In all, Cavalli penned several dozen operas, including “L’Egisto” in 1643. Many of the scores for these works exist only in a fragmentary state, but through the reconstructive efforts of British conductor Raymond Leppard, new performable editions have become available. In 2002 DePaul Opera Theatre presented another Cavalli opera, La Calisto, as a local premiere.

Silverstein describes “L’Egisto” as “a wonderful opera full of love, innuendo and comedy.” Featuring a prologue and three acts, this classic story recounts the struggles of two intertwined couples—Egisto and Clori, and Climene and Lidio—on the Greek island of Zakynthos during mythical times. There are 21 singing roles, which will be performed in English, with accompaniment from a 14-piece orchestra that includes two harpsichords and an organ. “L’Egisto” will be conducted by Julian Dawson, a faculty member since 2002. Prior to his appointment at DePaul, Dawson held posts with several renowned companies, including the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the Scottish Opera and the Glyndelbourne Festival Opera.

In recent years, DePaul’s School of Music has evolved into an educational institution of highest ranking. An outstanding faculty roster of music professionals and an increasingly competitive student body attest to this transformation. The school was named one of the “Schools That Rock” in a new college guidebook of the best music schools and rock scenes in the nation issued by Rolling Stone in August.

By presenting more than 300 public performances annually—most of them free of charge—the DePaul School of Music offers its students an invaluable opportunity to appear on stage, while providing the school with a chance to raise public awareness of its many activities. In addition to “L”Egisto,” performances include a major spring opera production, to be announced, at DePaul’s Merle Reskin Theatre on March 10, 11 and 12, 2006.

Free but limited parking is available to concertgoers in the lot directly in front of the Concert Hall. Reduced-rate parking is available at the Sheffield Parking Facility, 2335 N. Sheffield Ave.

For more information, call the School of Music at 773/325-7260 or visit the school’s Web site at music.depaul.edu.