About

KMFA MIDDAY CONCERT SERIES WELCOMES

 IL TRITTICO

FEATURING BUTLER OPERA CENTER

PRESENTED BY WATERLOO AUDIOLOGY 

MARCH 31 | NOON | KMFA'S DRAYLEN MASON MUSIC STUDIO

12:00 P.M. at KMFA's Draylen Mason Music Studio

KMFA Classical 89.5 welcomes The Butler Opera Center back to the Draylen Mason Music Studio for a special noontime preview of IL TRITTICO on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

Enjoy an afternoon of delightful opera scenes performed by members of the Butler Opera Center Ensemble, curated by Butler Opera Center Director, Tamar Sanikdize.

• Music - Giacomo Puccini
• Libretto - Giuseppe Adami & Giovacchino Forzano
• Stage Directors
  • Il Tabarro - Yingmeige Xiong
  • Suor Angelica - Madison Jackson
  • Gianni Schicchi - Beatrice Huang
• Conductor - Douglas Kinney Frost
• Director, Producer, Principal Coach - Tamar Sanikdize

The full production will be held Friday, April 17 - Sunday, April 26, at McCullough Theater at The University of Texas. Tickets may be purchased here.

This preview concert is free and open to the public when you RSVP in advance online.

Like short stories, one-act operas pack a big punch! Puccini's last completed work was a triptych of these one-acts, telling three separate stories with one common theme: a hidden death. Il Tabarro tells the story of a love triangle on a French barge. When jealousy strikes, who will survive? Puccini then transports us to a convent in Suor Angelica, where we meet a young nun, sent away in shame after giving birth out of wedlock. When her aunt appears, will she deliver news of redemption, or bring about even more pain? Gianni Schicchi closes the trilogy with a musical farce of the highest order. A greedy family hires trickster Gianni Schicchi to rewrite the will of their wealthy patriarch, but does he really have their best interests in mind? All these characters, all these stories, all crafted by a composer at the pinnacle of his career. 

ABOUT THE ARTIST:

Butler Opera Center

The Butler Opera Center ranks among the top opera programs in the United States. Under the direction of Tamar Sanikidze, the program prepares emerging vocalists, vocal coaches and opera stage directors for careers in music. Each year, while pursuing academic classes, graduate students participate in at least three fully-produced mainstage operas accompanied by a full orchestra. With a curriculum based in both the traditional operatic repertory and progressive contemporary works, the program attracts students and faculty from a diverse background. Enrollment for each degree is limited to ensure personalized, intensive performance and training opportunities for each student.

RSVP FOR FREE!

Event Details

• Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
• Time: 12:00 P.M.
• Venue: KMFA's Draylen Mason Music Studio
• Website: https://trittico.planningpod.com

Ticket Information

• Cost: RSVP for Free!

Presenter Details

• Name: Waterloo Audiology

When Kelli House and Sara Burge first met in 2017, they discovered they shared more than just a workplace at Estes Audiology. Their mutual dedication to exceptional patient care and love of live music created an instant connection that would later blossom into a dynamic partnership.

Sara took a bold step in Spring 2022, founding Waterloo Audiology in Seguin, Texas. By strategically partnering with Guadalupe Ear, Nose & Throat in the same location, she created a comprehensive hearing healthcare experience for the Seguin community. Through word-of-mouth recommendations from both satisfied patients and physicians, the practice quickly flourished into a trusted community resource.

As an original founder of Estes Audiology, Kelli had already established herself as a force in Central Texas audiology. Under her leadership, the practice became renowned for serving diverse clientele in the Central Texas area, from hunters to musicians to anyone seeking reliable hearing aid expertise. Kelli reunited with Sara in December 2024, joining Waterloo Audiology as a partner. Together, they’ve expanded to San Marcos and Georgetown, with Austin-area locations on the horizon.

Waterloo Audiology takes great pride in supporting organizations within the communities we serve, including local public radio stations, non-profits and city chambers. With deep roots in music and performing arts, we are also always there to provide hearing protection and wellness to artists at South by Southwest, Austin City Limits, Mid-Texas Symphony and through the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians.

Venue Details