The ISU Symphony Orchestra and the ISU Opera Studio will come together to perform “An Afternoon at the Opera” on Sunday, selecting songs from Georges Bizet’s “Carmen” and George Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess.”

Of course, the performance wouldn’t be complete without artist-in-residence Simon Estes performing the role of Porgy.

“It’s a wonderful experience,” says Mark Laycock, director of the ISU Symphony Orchestra and assistant professor of music. “He brings so much knowledge and experience to the stage with him.”

Mary Creswell, director of the ISU Opera Studio and assistant professor of music, says the performance will offer a unique opportunity to hear the best music from not one, but two classic operas. “These are melodies that have stood the test of time,” Laycock says.

In all, eight songs from “Carmen” and 10 from “Porgy and Bess” have been selected for the concert. Students will include dancing, props and costumes from the operas in the performance as well.

Three students have been chosen as soloists for “Carmen.” Alain Hoffman, senior in music; Kelly Petersen, senior in communication studies; and Cindy Boote, senior in music, will all have their shot at center stage in the starring role. Melinda Wadsley, a student in liberal arts and sciences, has been chosen to sing as Bess alongside Estes, who has been working closely with the studio students to help them prepare for this event.

Laycock and Creswell both said they decided on doing scenes from “Carmen” because of the tremendous talent found in the music department. Estes suggested doing scenes from “Porgy and Bess.” Estes is familiar with “Porgy and Bess,” as he has performed as Porgy at the opera’s Metropolitan Opera premiere.

Laycock says he is looking forward to collaborating with the Opera Studio. “This really shows how well-rounded our music department is,” he says.

Creswell agrees with Laycock, and says the two groups have come together well to showcase the talents of both groups.

Amy Martin, lecturer in health and human performance, has been working with the ISU Opera Studio since October on stage direction and some choreography for the performance.

“I think it’s a really good beginning to a collaborative process between the dance and the two music departments,” Martin says.

Tickets are available at the Stephens box office and also at the door the day of the performance.