The UAA Opera Ensemble will take everything good about the holidays — the festivity, the celebration, the costumes and fantastic creatures — wrap it all together and put it on stage for opera lovers and music fans Friday, December 17.

“Prince Orlofsky’s Ball” is a collection of some of the best excerpts from the world’s most beloved operas and operettas.

 Hosted by the flamboyant character from Johann Strauss’ “Die Fledermaus” and accompanied by pianist Janet Stiles, the concert will feature UAA students in pieces chosen from Mozart’s “The Magic Flute,” Menotti’s “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” Strauss’ “Die Fledermaus” and “The Gypsy Baron,” and the all-time favorite, Humperdinck’s “Hansel and Gretel.”

In its second year, the 13-member UAA Opera Ensemble is directed by Dr. Mari Hahn, head of the Voice Division of the UAA Department of Music.

Hahn came to UAA in 2001 after training in conservatories in Italy and Germany and earning her doctorate from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.

“Anchorage is such a great town for opera,” said Hahn. “Ever since we started the program, we’ve had wonderful support from opera aficionados of all ages and backgrounds.”

The Ensemble stages two productions a year: one in December, and a larger main production in the spring.

The 2005 spring production will be Henry Purcell’s “Dido and Aeneas.”

“Prince Orlofsky’s Ball” plays Friday, Dec. 17, at 7:30 p.m. in the UAA Fine Arts Building Recital Hall (room 150).

Ticket information: Tickets for “Prince Orlofsky’s Ball” are $10 for general admission, $5 for students, senior citizens and members of the military, and $2 for UAA students. Tickets will be sold at the door.