Catholicism, martyrdom and the French Revolution are topics that will be explored when DePaul and Loyola universities and Lyric Opera of Chicago co-sponsor a symposium on Lyric Opera’s upcoming production of “Dialogues of the Carmelites,” from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Jan. 28 at DePaul Concert Hall, 800 W. Belden Ave.

The program opens with a panel discussion entitled, “Catholicism, Martyrdom and the French Revolution,” featuring Suzanne Kaufman, associate professor of history at Loyola; and David Gitomer, associate professor of religious studies at DePaul.

A second panel on “French Catholicism in the Mid-20th Century,” includes Loyola professors Mark Bosco, S.J., assistant professor of theology and English, and Andrew McKenna, professor of French.

Thomas Brown, professor emeritus of music at DePaul, will provide musical and dramatic analyses of "Dialogues of the Carmelites." The symposium will conclude with a discussion of the opera from the artists’ perspectives, featuring legendary Rumanian soprano Virginia Zeani, who starred in the leading role of Blanche de la Force at the opera's 1957 world premiere at Milan's La Scala. She will be joined by Canadian-Armenian soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian, who portrays Blanche in the Lyric production, and moderator Roger Pines, Lyric's dramaturg.

“Dialogues of the Carmelites” is the real-life story of 15 martyred nuns of Compiegne at the height of the French Revolution's Reign of Terror. The single fictional character among them is the terrified young Catholic aristocrat Blanche de la Force, who seeks refuge in the convent. The nuns are eventually arrested and condemned to death. This uplifting, musically and theatrically riveting opera presents the psychological, religious, and spiritual struggles of the Carmelites in their path to martyrdom on the guillotine.

“Dialogues of the Carmelites” opens Feb. 17 at the Civic Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Dr., and runs through March 17. For more information about the opera itself, visit Lyric Opera’s Web site at: www.lyricopera.org .

Master of ceremonies and DePaul chair of religious studies, the Rev. James Halstead, O.S.A., urges opera lovers, curious Catholics and the public to come out for an afternoon of stimulating discussion and musical excerpts from the opera.

“’Dialogues’ is very accessible. It is moving and inspiring when you first hear and see it,” said Halstead. “With both academics and artists presenting, the symposium provides the perfect opportunity to develop knowledge of and appreciation for the opera.”

Tickets to the symposium are $25 in advance for the general public and $10 for students with photo I.D. General admission tickets are $35 at the door. For registration and more information about the symposium on “Dialogues of the Carmelites,” please call 773/325-7386.