Combining their informed and honed musical talents with a creative approach to visual effects, AOT produces performances that enliven, delight, and touch the audience.

Ernani was Verdi's fifth opera; it is set in Spain in 1519 and was inspired by Victor Hugo's drama, Hernani. With this work, Verdi depicted passionate individualism and freedom, focusing on the musical characterization. To that end, he uses three men, all in love with one woman, and gives them three distinctively different expressive qualities of voice types: Ernani is a tenor, Don Carlos, a baritone, and Silva is a bass.

American tenor Stuart Neill sings the role of Ernani. He has established himself as one of the most promising tenors in the world today through successful performances in the world's finest opera houses and concert halls with leading conductors and orchestras.

Elizabeth Blancke-Biggs is rapidly establishing herself in the lirico-spinto repertoire. Her Italian debut was in the title role of Maria Stuarda at the Teatro Regio di Torino. She made her Metropolitan Opera debut as Violetta in La Traviata, and she has performed as Fedora opposite Placido Domingo.

Paris-born baritone Peter Castaldi was raised in Milan and has played the title role of Verdi's Macbeth with Opera Roanoke; and his New York City Opera debut as Falstaff in Verdi's Falstaff.

Bass Stefan Szkafarowsky has emerged as one of America's leading artists, praised for the beautiful quality of his bass voice as well as for his impeccable technique. His roles include Commendatore for Atlanta Opera; Gremin for Tulsa Opera; and Benoit/ Alcindoro in La Bohème and Bartolo in Le Nozze di Figaro for Metro Lyric Opera.

Michael Recchiuti is internationally acclaimed as a conductor, a pianist and accompanist. He has lead productions of Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro; Mozart's DonGiovanni; and a concert performance of Verdi's Il Trovatore. He has collaborated with stars of the international opera stage, Grammy and Tony award winners, and major musical theater personalities.

Palm Springs Opera Guild is sponsoring this evening of passionate opera.

Verdi's "Ernani" will be performed by American Opera Theater, with Michael Recchiuti conducting, on Thursday, March 15 at 8pm at the McCallum Theatre. Tickets are on sale now. Ticket prices are $75/65/55/45. -- www.mccallumtheatre.com