Faculty artist Cristina Castaldi, soprano, will join the Wichita State University Symphony Orchestra for “Verdi to Verismo,” a celebration of Italian opera arias, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, in Miller Concert Hall.

The program, featuring music by Verdi, Puccini, Mendelssohn and Kevin Puts, will be led by Director of Orchestras Mark Laycock.

A first-year member of the WSU voice faculty, Castaldi was recently based in New York City where she performed extensively along the East Coast. She will sing three Verdi arias, “Come in quest’ora bruna” from “Simon Boccanegra,” Ave Maria from “Otello” and “Ernani, involami” from “Ernani,” together with “Vissi d’arte” from Puccini’s “Tosca” and “Ebben? …Ne andro lontana” from Catalani’s “La Wally.”

The concert will also include Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 3 in A minor, the composer’s fifth and final symphony. The 2016-17 season of the WSU Symphony Orchestra includes numerous concert appearances, the annual Concerto-Aria program, two fully staged opera productions and a “Messiah” sing-along. Featured artists are faculty members Jeb Wallace, horn, and Castaldi.

Mark Laycock is a professor of music and holds the Ann Walenta Faculty of Distinction Endowed Professorship. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, where he serves as chair of orchestra activities. Laycock is also conductor of the Wichita Youth Symphony. He has conducted all-state, region and district orchestras throughout the country.

Tickets can be purchased at the Fine Arts Box Office in the lobby of the Duerksen Fine Arts Center or online at wichita.edu/fineartsboxoffice. General admission is $12, with discount tickets available for seniors, faculty/staff, military, children and students. WSU students are eligible for one free ticket (visit http://www.wichita.edu/j/?4363 for details). For ticketing assistance, contact the Fine Arts Box Office from 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, at 316-978-3233 or fasttickets@wichita.edu.