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HOUGHTON -- If you don’t think mining and classical music would mix well, the Rockland opera intends to prove you wrong.  With dynamic original songs and a story based on true local events, Rockland is a creative retelling of the copper mining strike of 1906 in which the fight for social justice ended in tragedy for some.

"We jumped at the opportunity to commission and produce an opera and a story based on the U.P.,” said Pine Mountain Music Festival artistic director, Joshua Major.  “It's based on the area and the people the festival serves.  We thought this was extremely exciting."

Production of the opera began about five years ago.

"It was a very big commitment,” said Pine Mountain Music Festival executive director Peter Van Pelt.  “Usually new operas are commissioned by much larger companies than ours and in much larger cities.  This is pretty unusual.  It's a big leap for a little company like ours to do this."

Nearly 50 people make up the cast and chorus with at least 20 singers coming from the U.P.  The group began an intensive four-week rehearsal schedule at the Rozsa Center at the end of June.

"I went to hear the start of a rehearsal to see how it was going, and I was so blown away by the quality of preparation that I stayed the whole time.  I just loved it,” Van Pelt said.

The producers are hopeful Rockland will gain national attention and be continued for years to come.  But this summer, there are only two performances. Tickets are still available for either July 15 at 7:30 p.m. or July 17 at 3 p.m.