Written by guest blogger Dr. Ann Marie Daehn, Opera Theater Director
The Little Opera that Could!
I am so excited to tell you that our opera program was selected by a jury of experts to compete at the National Opera Association (NOA) National Convention Scenes Competition! Six students will represent us in front of directors from opera companies and university programs across the country and around the globe. Serving as Opera Director, I have selected a cross section of our student singers. They include senior performance major Brittany Griffin, senior music education/performance major Tyler Schlesselman, senior music theater major Alex Baylard, junior music theater major Adam Grimes, FRESHMAN voice performance major Aiyana Williams, and master’s student in piano performance, James Benecasa. They will compete in Greensboro, North Carolina, on January 8th and then get to enjoy the many master classes and networking opportunities of the convention.
Opera has become a vital and collaborative opportunity for students of many majors. These living, learning opportunities have spanned the gamut from outreach at Robberson Elementary, collaboration with Art and Design to make Ellis Hall shine in Magic Flute, work with Theatre and Dance on last season’s hit show, Pirates of Penzance , and the troupe transported us back in time with Purcell’s chamber opera, Dido and Aeneus.
I bet you’re wondering where you can see them perform? Well, tickets will be available in January for the operetta, Die Fledermaus – a wonderful grand ball to take place in Springfield’s very own Savoy Ballroom on April 17th and 19th. “Like” MSU Opera Theater on Facebook and we’ll make sure you have a chance to get to know these singers, see behind the scene updates on their work and that you’ll never miss a performance.
Go Bears!!!
— Dr. Ann Marie Daehn
P.S. Students are raising funds for their travel expenses to the national competition. You can help by donating to their crowdfunding project: http://www.missouristatecrowdfunding.org/dreamdetails/Details/17