Natchez —Mozart comes to Natchez this Saturday in a comic opera about love, deception and trust. Originally set in 18th century Italy, “Così Fan Tutte” will be relocated to antebellum Mobile, Ala., in the Natchez Festival of Music’s grand finale performance of the month of opera, Broadway, and jazz.

At 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, at the Margaret Martin Performing Arts Center, 64 Homochitto St., the stage at Margaret Martin Performing Arts Center will be filled with a full chorus of costumed performers and professionally designed sets.

Starring a professional cast of nationally and internationally trained singers, many of the arias in this comedy of manners rank among Mozart’s greatest and present an opportunity for the outstanding artists to fully demonstrate their talents.

Two such artists are New Yorker, Tynan Davis, and Miami resident, Will Earl Spanheimer. A versatile vocalist, Davis recently pleased audiences playing an animated Ado Annie, in the Festival of Music’s performance of “OKLAHOMA!.” Spanheimer portrayed a menacing but troubled Jud Fry, a strong counterpoint to the humor of the story.

In “Così,” Davis plays the spirited mezzo-soprano Dorabella. Dorabella and her sister Fiodiligi, (Kimberly Bentley) are caught in an intrigue masterminded by the cynical philosopher Don Alfonso (George Hogan) and assisted by their maid Despina (Sang Eun Lee).

Don Alfonso entices their fiancés, Ferrando (Victor Khodadad) and Guglielmo (Will Earl Spanheimer) to accept a wager that their betrothed will be fickle, just as he believes all women are. As the charade unfolds, the charming wit of Mozart is woven throughout both the singing and acting.

George Hogan, Kimberly Bentley and Sang-Eun Lee are all returning artists to the Natchez Festival of Music.

Khodadad, returning for his fifth season in the festival, brings a professional acting career to the stage as well as a classically trained voice. The turning point in his career from actor to singer occurred in 2001 in Baton Rouge.

“While I starred as Jesus in a Swine Palace production of “Jesus Christ Superstar”, I became determined to learn to sing in a healthy way, says Khodadad. “I was a novice then… I couldn’t even read music,” he said.

David Blackburn first hired Khodadad in 2002 based on his strong theater credits. He has now come full circle to the main stage as an operatic lead here and across the country.

After the show, a closing gala will beckon patrons to The Elms, for light-fare and wine. Festival artists also gather at the gala to celebrate the grand finale performance and end of the season. What a fitting end to a month of over 50 public and private performances throughout Natchez, bringing together quality opera, Broadway and jazz and remarkable people!

For detailed information and tickets for these events, go to www.NatchezFestivalofMusic.com or call 601-445-6103, 1-800-647-6724 toll free. Tickets are available at the door.