City: Spearfish, SD

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Telephone: (605) 642-6420

Address: 1200 University St.

Description: In June, Black Hills State University sponsors this competitive program that not only benefits the participants but the community as well. Students 17 and older from across the nation and around the world audition to study with international opera star Johanna Meier and other professors, and the students present at least two performances for the public. The educational program is called the Vocal Arts and Opera Theatre School, which is the main part of the Summer Institute of the Arts. The focus is on vocal, opera, and theater performance. The programs’ events (which also include classes and lectures) most often take place in BHSU’s recital hall, that has been named in Meier’s family’s honor. Meier Hall is small (280 capacity), but the design is beautiful and created especially for music performances.The performances are open to the public, but you need to buy tickets. An opening performance by the students includes a reception; admission is $5 for adults, $2.50 for children under 15 and seniors. At the final performance, A Night at the Opera, students and teachers present a selection of opera scenes and arias; admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children and seniors, with a reception afterward. There is also a pre-performance dinner and lecture for an additional $15, but you need to make reservations the day before.