Wildwood’s second annual College Opera Festival features free public performances in the Lucy Lockett Cabe Festival Theater Feb. 11 from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. 

   The festival features performances from students attending the University of Arkansas at Monticello, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, Arkansas State University, Harding University, Henderson State University, Ouachita Baptist University and Philander Smith College.

   Students will perform different operatic scenes and short operas throughout the day. Students will also have a chance to learn from guest speaker Mila Gibson, founder and general director of the Amarillo Opera, and the University of Arkansas’ Chris Lacey, who will be teaching a master class in Italian diction. The event will give the students a glimpse of the many aspects that the world of opera encompasses. 

   During her tenure as professor of voice and opera workshop at Amarillo College in Amarillo, Texas, Gibson produced and directed several operas, which combined student talent with local professionals. In April 1988, she underwrote AO's inaugural production, "Madame Butterfly." She directed the production, was chorus director, makeup artist, costumer and leading lady. She recently returned to the stage in fall 1999 as the leading lady once again in "Madame Butterfly."  

   As the only professional opera company in the state, Wildwood wants to see, hear and encourage Arkansas’ young singers. Wildwood is one of the premier cultural institutions in Arkansas, situated in a lovely 105-acre developing woodland garden in West Little Rock. Dedicated to its mission of celebrating the arts and nature, and seeking to inspire, educate, and entertain, Wildwood began in 1973 as the Arkansas Opera Theater and became Wildwood Park for the Performing Arts in 1989 with the gift of land from Deltic Timber Company. The Lucy Lockett Cabe Festival was completed in 1996. The park now includes the eight-acre Swan Lake and a number of lavish gardens, including the Richard C. Butler Arboretum, with nature trails and multiple species of azaleas, Louisiana iris, and daffodils; and Hunter’s Glen, with more than 100 species of wildflowers and ferns.

   Wildwood is just a 20 minute drive from downtown Little Rock. Take I-630 west past the Financial Center at Shackleford Road. Travel west on Chenal Parkway, going past Highland Valley United Methodist Church and Kroger to the second intersection of Kanis Road and Chenal Parkway. Turn left on Kanis and travel to a “Y” in the road. Bear right at the “Y” intersection onto Denny Road, and travel 1.6 miles to the entrance of Wildwood on the left. Follow the signs for parking. For ticket information, call (501) 821- 7275, ext. 232.  

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