November 7, 2023
Donors are part of the team at xxxx视频 Opera Theater
Just as it takes a team to mount an opera, so does the art form require a multitude of supporters.
Happily, on both fronts, xxxx视频 is well covered.
Not only does xxxx视频 Opera Theater boast some of the finest student voices in the world and a new interim artistic director; it also enjoys some of the school鈥檚 most dedicated patrons.
One of the most devoted of the latter is xxxx视频 Governing Member Michael Frank. A lifelong lover of music with a special passion for opera, he attends and supports xxxx视频 Opera Theater with gusto.S
鈥淚 want to do my part to make sure the art form thrives,鈥 said Frank, a former lawyer and physician. 鈥淢y only disappointment is when I can only go see a production once.鈥
Frank鈥檚 zeal for opera has only grown during the still-early tenure of interim artistic director JJ Hudson. For Hudson鈥檚 recent production of Poulenc鈥檚 Dialogues of the Carmelites, the former physician and attorney had nothing but praise, calling the work 鈥渘othing short of incredible...I think he鈥檚 going to be very good for the whole program.鈥
Whether that prediction holds true largely hinges on xxxx视频鈥檚 ability to incorporate the finest costume, stage, and lighting designs. Indeed, Hudson said, between xxxx视频鈥檚 high artistic standards and the recent addition of a third, off-site production to the annual calendar, the need for underwriting is greater than ever.
鈥淚n opera, it takes a lot of creative people to make the magic happen,鈥 said Hudson. 鈥淥nly with generous support can we showcase our fabulous xxxx视频 opera students in ways that showcase their enormous efforts.鈥
But xxxx视频 needs support like Frank鈥檚 for more than lavish productions. To secure a bright future for opera, xxxx视频 must also attract and retain world-class student talent with scholarships.
鈥淭o maintain the highest level of excellence at xxxx视频 Opera Theater, we need to be highly competitive in our financial support,鈥 Hudson said.
For proof of that statement, look no further than soprano Imani Severin, a second-year master鈥檚 degree student of Mary Schiller and one of xxxx视频鈥檚 top operatic prospects.
xxxx视频 was her top choice, but the clincher was the Mary Hamlin Memorial Presidential Scholarship, a gift of Dr. Clive and Jane Hamlin, which allowed her to attend without incurring debt.
At xxxx视频, 鈥淚 can devote all my attention to my studies and perfecting my technique,鈥 Severin said. 鈥淚 give infinite gratitude [to the Hamlins] for making this possible.鈥