Imagine a large theater lled with people where the performers sing without microphones. Although this may sound odd, this is how opera is performed. The singers learn to project their voices and sing with diction. A Xavier High School senior, Hannah Zwanziger, learned this skill, along with some Italian, in order to perform with The Cedar Rapids Opera Theater. Zwanziger was a chorus member for their production of the Italian operas Cavalleria Rusticana & Pagliacci, which were performed on January 13 and 15 at Theatre Cedar Rapids. The operas were directed by Candace Evans.

“At rst I was completely against singing opera,” Zwanziger said. “However, the more I started to participate in and watch performances, the more I grew to appreciate the art and talent it takes for an opera to be successful.”

Members of the production came from around the nation and gathered together in Cedar Rapids three weeks before the production. “I love that I got to be surrounded by people who also share a passion for music,” Zwanziger said. “I was able to learn a lot from them, and this experience will hopefully allow me to be more involved in operas in the future.”

Zwanziger was previously in two smaller children’s musicals, Man of La Mancha and South Paci c, which were also produced by The Cedar Rapids Opera Theater. Being in these productions allowed Zwanziger to become a member of the choir without an audition.

Xavier choir director Mr. Matt Walker has had Zwanziger as a student for four years now.

“I have seen tremendous growth from her freshman to senior year,” Mr. Walker said. “Her self-con dence has grown, and that’s really helped her become a more e ective performer.”

Zwanziger will be attending the University of Northern Iowa in the fall and hopes to continue participating in operas.