Werther, 2007

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 Dr. Michael Johnson, previously Assistant Director of the Opera-Musical Theater Program with the National Endowment for the Arts

Directors for the 2006-2007 season were Giovanna Maresta of La Scala and New York City Opera's Michael Scarola.

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 Boh?me on Broadway.)

Repertoire

Each year the University of Memphis Opera produces two to three operas or musicals, one opera scenes programs and a gala concert. The professionalism of these performances in both musical and staging quality is outstanding. All operas are presented in the original languages with projected English supertitles. Most 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 will feature A Celebration of the Life of Charlie Riecker, Le Nozze di Figaro, the 3rd Annual Opera Gala, and Die Fledermaus. Past seasons have seen a variety of works including:

1997/1998 Le Nozze di Figaro, Carmen
1998/1999 Hansel and Gretel, The Magic Flute
1999/2000 Die Entf?hrung aus dem Serail, Don Giovanni
2000/2001 Sweeney Todd*, Dido and Aeneas, Les Contes d'Hoffmann
2001/2002 Cos? 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 Boh?me, Parade*, Don Giovanni
2006/2007 Le Nozze di Figaro, Die Fledermaus

* 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

Beyond the University

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:

• 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