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.
The Memphis Opera & Song Academy is presented in conjunction with the University of Memphis Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music and the Chamber Opera of Hamburg. This intensive two-week program prepares students for auditioning and performing in the opera houses of Europe. Master classes on musical and dramatic interpretation are combined with practical instruction on the German theatre system. Topics such as contract negotiation, audition preparation and living and working in Europe are thoroughly discussed as students prepare for a grand finale performance of German opera scenes and Lieder. This unique, one-of-a-kind program begins May 18, and ends June 1, 2008. For more information about this exciting opportunity, call 901.678.4082 or email to susan.owen-leinert@memphis.edu
Mr. Mark Ensley, Director of Opera Activities, who has served on the artistic staffs of Des Moines Metro Opera, Tulsa Opera, and Opera Memphis
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| Mr. Ted Christopher will serve as Opera Stage Director during the 2007-2008 academic year. Most recently he has been on the faculty of the Eastman School of Music as Assistant Professor of Opera and Associate Director of the Eastman Opera Theater. |
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 Bohème 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 Entführung aus dem Serail, Don Giovanni
2000/2001 Sweeney Todd*, Dido and Aeneas, Les Contes d'Hoffmann
2001/2002 Così 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 Bohème, 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:
- 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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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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