The University of Lethbridge's Faculty of Fine Arts presents a unique twist on opera this weekend as it celebrates 10 years of the Opera Workshop. Opera Goes to the Movies runs Friday and Saturday nights at the University Recital Hall.

"Opera Workshop is celebrating its 10th anniversary this season," says musical director and Music faculty, Dr. Blaine Hendsbee. "This is an exciting and challenging season for us because of the number and variety of productions we are producing this year."

In addition to Opera Goes To the Movies (Oct. 23-24), Hendsbee and company will present Amahl and the Night Visitors (Dec. 5-6) and Dialogue of the Carmelites (Feb. 26- 27).

"I try to choose themes for our performances that are appropriate for students and that audiences can relate to," says Hendsbee. "Our first production, Opera Goes To The Movies, is a musical potpourri of operatic styles and themes from high drama to lighter comedic moments."

Challenging repertoire and lyrical melodies merge, creating an uplifting and varied program. Shows run Friday and Saturday, nightly at 8 p.m. in the University Recital Hall.

"A lot of movies emphasize key moments in the script with famous opera repertoire such as La Boheme in Moonstruck or excerpts from Madame Butterfly in Fatal Attraction," he says.

Audiences can also look forward to familiar classics such as the Flower Duet, O Mio Babbino Caro and selections from The Marriage of Figaro and La Traviata. Charming, elegant and enlightening, Opera Goes To The Movies is first-class entertainment, something Opera Workshop audiences have come to expect over the past 10 years.

Tickets are $15 regular, $10 student/senior and on sale at the University Box Office (403-329-2616), open weekdays from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.