About us.
University of Georgia Opera Theatre is a part of University of Georgia's Hugh Hodgson School of Music. Each year, the opera department produces two full opera productions, in addition to an opera scenes program and outreach events. Each year, the fall production created in collaboration with the UGA Symphony Orchestra and the UGA Choral Department is presented in the 1100-seat Hodgson Concert Hall (in the Performing Arts Center). The annual spring production is presented in the UGA Fine Arts Theater, which seats approximately 600; this proscenium theater contains an orchestra pit accommodating 25 orchestra players. For the spring production, guest stage directors and guest conductors are invited to work with our cast to prepare each opera. The number of performances, between one and four for each opera production, varies according to the academic calendar and Performing Arts Center calendar each year.
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World-class faculty and guest artists.
Each opera is prepared by the UGA Opera Theatre faculty in addition to a roster of celebrated guest artists. Professor Frederick Burchinal, Metropolitan Opera veteran and international baritone, leads as Director of Opera, producer, and stage director in collaboration with Ms. Kathryn Wright as Principal Opera Coach. Ms. Wright comes to UGA with experience as an International opera coach from the Metropolitan Opera, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Dresden Opera, Cologne Opera, and Australian Opera. Additional regular contributors to the opera program include Professor Mark Cedel, Conductor of the UGA Symphony Orchestra; Dr. Daniel Bara, Director of UGA Choral Activities; Dr. Lisa Fusillo, Chair of the Department of Dance as Choreographer; and Jill Biskin, Metropolitan Opera Scenic Artist. Professional guests are frequently invited as conductors, stage directors, designers, and performing artists. Recent guests have included:
Conductors.
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Master Classes and Lectures.
Opera professionals, nationally-known voice professors, and professional guest lecturers are invited every year to offer their insight to the entire voice department. Some of our guest artists and lecturers include the following:
Guest Artists. Each year, the UGA Performing Arts Center assembles a star-studded roster of performers who appear in concert and recital. Just a few vocal artists recently featured at the PAC include:
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Academic credit.
Two classes are offered to students for participation in the opera program. Opera Ensemble (MUSI2850/4850/6850) is open to anyone interested in performing in the opera chorus and occasionally offers secondary roles to singers in the ensemble. No audition is required. At the end of the academic year, usually in April, this ensemble also presents an opera scenes program with piano in either Hodgson Concert Hall or Ramsey Concert Hall in the Performing Arts Center. Rehearsals meet on Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30-6:00pm.
Opera Theatre (MUSI4855/6855) is a class for more developed singers who sing the principle roles in each opera production. This class is open to singers by audition only and is restricted to juniors, seniors, and graduate students. Auditions are open to anyone in the university and take place at the beginning of each semester, at the end of the academic year for the following year, or by appointment. Rehearsals for are held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 2:30-6:00pm, and also on Tuesday and Thursday at 3:30-6:00pm when necessary for rehearsals with the Symphony Orchestra. Near performance dates, rehearsals with the orchestra, soloists, and chorus are conducted in the Orchestra Room of the Performing Arts Center and in Hodgson Hall on each day of the week between 3:30-6:00pm. During production week (the final week of rehearsals and performances) all singers and orchestra members may be required to rehearse daily between the hours of 3:00-10:00pm. Additional musical preparation is made available both during and outside of class times through individual and ensemble coaching hours.
Opera Theatre (MUSI4855/6855) is a class for more developed singers who sing the principle roles in each opera production. This class is open to singers by audition only and is restricted to juniors, seniors, and graduate students. Auditions are open to anyone in the university and take place at the beginning of each semester, at the end of the academic year for the following year, or by appointment. Rehearsals for are held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 2:30-6:00pm, and also on Tuesday and Thursday at 3:30-6:00pm when necessary for rehearsals with the Symphony Orchestra. Near performance dates, rehearsals with the orchestra, soloists, and chorus are conducted in the Orchestra Room of the Performing Arts Center and in Hodgson Hall on each day of the week between 3:30-6:00pm. During production week (the final week of rehearsals and performances) all singers and orchestra members may be required to rehearse daily between the hours of 3:00-10:00pm. Additional musical preparation is made available both during and outside of class times through individual and ensemble coaching hours.
Assistantship opportunities.
UGA Opera Theatre believes in creating growth opportunities for exceptional artists. Graduate candidates have the possibility of receiving a Graduate Assistantship in Opera for both singers and collaborative pianists. When available (on a rotating basis), the opera department maintains an ensemble of four to five singers (soprano, mezzo-soprano, tenor, and baritone/bass-baritone) as the core principle cast for each of the opera productions. Master of Music students receive a two-year assistantship with full tuition and a yearly stipend of approximately $7,000. Doctor of Musical Arts students receive a three-year assistantship with full tuition and a yearly stipend of approximately $8,000. Read more...