From March 25 and 27-29 The Michigan State University College of Music closed its opera season with “Puccini and Rossini: Operas of Consequence and Comedy." 

The performance was held at Fairchild Auditorium and consisted of two one-act works. It began with composer Giacomo Puccini's "Suor Angelica," and was followed by composer Gioachino Rossini's "La Cambiale di Matrimonio (The Marriage Contract)." The opera was directed by Melanie Helton, professor of voice and director of MSU Opera Theatre, conducted by Katherine Hilburn and performed by MSU opera students in full Italian. Musical accompaniment was provided by the MSU symphony orchestra.

The two different performances showed attendees the differing styles opera can take.

Puccini tended to focus on tragedy or consequence, including loss and themes of devastation. He conveyed the struggles of the poor, everyday person, and presented them in a way that made them seem worthy of grand art. He explored this in the endings of his works, which often resulted in a tragic death; cutting a romance short, or highlighting the real dangers, such as illness and poverty, that starving artists face. This played into popular themes of the artistic Verismo (realism) movement in early 19th-century Italy.

“My favorite part? I think it was definitely when I found out that her son had passed and then she burst out in song," said social work junior Fendi Knight when discussing Puccini's "Suor Angelica."

In comparison, Rossini has more lighthearted, comedic works that are intended to be more exciting and fast-paced. Common themes of his works include impersonation, trickery and frantic characters. Rossini's comedic style was shown in a performance of "La Cenerentola," performed by the MSU College of Music in Mar. 2025.

For some attendees, this was the first opera they have ever attended. 

“A friend who knows about the opera told me, as I am interested in the art of music," biochemistry freshman Jacob Burnham said. "I got really excited and decided to look it up myself.” 

The operas were made accessible for attendees, providing English subtitles. Marketing sophomore Sydney McElroy found this to be a beneficial aspect of the show. 

“I love it (the opera), honestly,” McElroy said. “This is my first opera, actually, so I’ve never seen them before. But the subtitles are helpful, and also, the storyline is really good so far.”