The first time Ben Heppner encountered opera - on a television broadcast when he was growing up in Western Canada - it all sounded totally alien.

Years later, he not only got over that initial impression, but found himself hailed as one of the greatest gifts to the world of opera in a long, long time.

If you go Ben Heppner, accompanied by pianist Thomas Muraco, will give a recital at 5:30 p.m. Sunday at Shriver Hall, the Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles St. Tickets are $19 and $39. Call 410-516-7164 or go to shriverconcerts.org.