Missouri State opera students will get the chance compete at the National Opera Association’s 61st annual convention this year in the graduate division opera scenes competition.

The convention will take place Jan. 6-10 in Indianapolis and focuses on “Heritage and Hope: Celebrating Diversity in Performance and Pedagogy.”

More about the competition

The National Opera Association chooses four teams to compete in each of three competition categories. Universities from around the country submit videos for consideration. The event is adjudicated by opera luminaries in front of all convention attendees.

Assistant Professor Dr. Ann Marie Daehn said it is an honor for MSU to perform in the graduate division.

“Last year every school in this division had a doctoral program. It is a huge opportunity for our students to be heard by peers, heads of major university programs and summer programs and directors. We have been members of NOA for two years and have been fortunate enough to be invited as national finalists both years.”

More about MSU’s performance

Missouri State graduate students Brianna Gilliam, Lisa Blake and Sierra Saylor, along with 5th-year senior and double major music education and performance Tyler Schlesselman will perform a scene from an opera by a living female composer Libby Larsen. Graduate student Danielle Hardin will be the team’s pianist.

“The scene is a jazzy and fun ode to food — something we hope will be a delicious offering for the judges and attendees,” Daehn said.

When the students return for the spring semester, they will begin work on the spring operas they will perform at First and Calvary on April 8 and 10: a double bill of a new opera by Bruce Trinkley titled, “St. Thomas the Carpenter” and Puccini’s Suor Angelica.

Event details

What is it: National Opera Association’s 61st annual convention
When: Jan. 6-10
Where: Indianapolis, Indiana