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| The Crucible |
Opportunities abound for students in the University of Memphis Opera Program. With
multiple performance possibilities, students gain experience in ensemble, comprimario
roles, young artist contracts and leading roles. Opera workshop, vocal coaching and
master classes focus on the many aspects of vocal performance and stage presentation.
The Opera Area also provides opportunities for aspiring vocal coaches and conductors.
Recent U of M music alumnus Tom Rimes has worked with The New Opera Festival of Rome,
received a career grant from The Solti Foundation and has been appointed apprentice
coach with The Washington Opera.
Students learn from world-acclaimed teachers, directors and coaches including Mr.
Mark Ensley, who has served on the artistic staffs of Des Moines Metro Opera, Tulsa
Opera, Opera Memphis and is currently a faculty member of the International Vocal
Arts Institute in Tel Aviv; and Mignon Dunn, Artist-In-Residence, has sung the leading
mezzo-soprano roles in the most important opera houses of the world.
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| The Promise |
Directors for the 2006-2007 season were Giovanna Maresta of La Scala and New York
City Opera's Michael Scarola.
| Mr. Mark Ensley, Co-Director of Opera Studies who has served on the artistic staffs of Des Moines
Metro Opera, Tulsa Opera, Opera Memphis and is currently a faculty member of the International
Vocal Arts Institute in Tel Aviv.
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| Mr. Copeland Woodruff Co-Director of Opera Studies and Opera Stage Director, whose teaching and directing
credits include Oberlin Conservatory, La Musica Lirica in Novafeltria, Italy, and
Temple University. He is currently part-time faculty at The Julliard School, teaching
acting and private coaching to master’s students.
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| Mignon Dunn, Artist-In-Residence, who has sung the leading mezzo-soprano roles in the most important
opera houses of the world. Miss Dunn teaches one week per semester.
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In addition to faculty in residence, the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music is dedicated
to a program of master classes with today's leading figures in opera. Recent visiting
artists include:
- Giovanna Maresta
- Sherrill Milnes
- Barbara Dever
- Gail Robinson
- Janet Bookspan
- Gayletha Nichols
- Julie Newell
- Barbara Day Turner
- Robert Ward
- Bernard Telsey Casting Agency (Auditions for roles in Baz Luhrmann's production of
La Bohéme on Broadway.)
Repertoire
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| Hansel and Gretel |
Each year the University of Memphis Opera produces two to three operas or musicals
with orchestra and a gala concert. Students work with professional designers and production personnel and have the opportunity
to work backstage as a part of their total education. All operas are presented in
the original languages with projected English supertitles.
The 2008 production of Hansel and Gretel won first place for Best Opera Production in the National Opera Association Competition.
Also notable is the 2005 world premier of The Promise, based on the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Written by U of M Professor Dr. John Baur, the work drew national attention and acclaim.
This year’s season featured Women in Captivity (Act 1, Il barbiere di Siviglia; Act 2, Manon; and Act 1, The Crucible), the fifth Annual Opera Gala, The Old Maid and the Thief and The Medium.
1997/1998 Le Nozze di Figaro, Carmen
1998/1999 Hansel and Gretel, The Magic Flute
1999/2000 Die Entführung aus dem Serail, Don Giovanni
2000/2001 Sweeney Todd*, Dido and Aeneas, Les Contes d'Hoffmann
2001/2002 Cosi fan tutte, The Beggar's Opera (Britten), The Consul
2002/2003 Into the Woods*, Suor Angelica, Gianni Schicchi
2003/2004 Il Matrimonio Segreto, Die Lustigen Weiber von Windsor
2004/2005 The Promise**, Christopher Sly (Argento), Albert Herring
2005/2006 La Bohéme, Parade*, Don Giovanni
2006/2007 Le Nozze di Figaro, Die Fledermaus
2007/2008 Werther, Die Zauberflöte
2008/2009 Hansel and Gretel***, Partenope
2009/2010 Il barbiere di Siviglia (Act 1), Manon (Act 2), The Crucible (Act 1), The Old Maid and the Thief and The Medium.
* Joint production with The University of Memphis Department of Theatre and Dance
** World Premiere in conjunction with the Department of Theatre and Dance and The Germantown Performing Arts Center
***Winner first place for Best Opera Production, National Opera Association Competition
Beyond the University
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| Werther |
U of M Opera students perform often with professional companies. In Opera Memphis'
most recent production of Mozart's The Magic Flute, seven roles were sung by current
or former University of Memphis Opera students. Our students and alumni have also
performed with opera companies nationally and internationally such as:
- Ash Lawn Highland Summer Festival
- Baltimore Opera
- Central City Opera
- Como Opera Guild
- Des Moines Metro Opera
- Deutsche Oper Berlin
- Florida Grand Opera
- Ft. Worth Opera
- Indianapolis Opera
- Israel Vocal Arts Institute
- Light Opera Oklahoma
- Mississippi Opera
- Nashville Opera
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- Natchez Opera Festival
- New Hampshire Opera
- New Jersey Opera theatre
- New Mexico Opera
- New Orleans Opera
- Opera Birmingham
- Opera North
- PORTOpera (Maine)
- Santa Fe Opera
- Seagle Music Colony
- Shreveport Opera
- Syracuse Opera
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| Don Giovanni |
Auditioning for professional companies provides additional prospects and experience
for U of M students. Every year, our opera students participate in the Metropolitan
Opera National Council Auditions. The Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music had District
Winners at these Auditions in 2000, 2002, 2003 and 2005; Regional 2nd in 2000, 2002
and 2005; and a National Semifinalist in 2003. Recent auditions heard by General and
Artistic Directors from other professional companies include:
- Como Opera Guild
- Des Moines Metro Opera
- Fort Worth Opera
- Mississippi Opera
- Nashville Opera
- Natchez Opera Festival
- New Hampshire Opera
- New Jersey Opera Theatre
- Opera Birmingham
- Seagle Music Colony
- Syracuse Opera
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