Italian Opera Festival Begins at Soka

The first Italian Opera Festival began in Aliso Viejo Wednesday with Bruno Pratico -- Rossini and Donizetti Recital.

Performances will take place through Friday at Soka University's Performing Arts Center.

• Thursday, May 31, 7 to 8:15 p.m.; Italian Opera Festival - Let's Learn Opera - The Elixir of Love
• Friday, June 1; 8 to 10 p.m.; Italian Opera Festival - Rigoletto In Concert

According to Wendy Harder, community relations for Soka University, SUA employees who attended the event said the crowd gave a standing ovation at the end of the performances.

"They all remembered the last number, which had the opera singers performing as cats with “meow” as the only lyric," she said. "Truly an opera number than transcended language barriers."

See photos from Mayor Don Garcia's meeting with Viterbo, Italy Mayor Guilo Marini.