The Knoxville Opera Studio endeavors to...
...provide training and professional experience
through a cooperative program with Knoxville Opera for vocal Performance
Master's degree students at the University of Tennessee School
of Music beyond the scope of the degree program.
...enhance the recruiting of the UT School of Music by offering a training program linked to the Knoxville Opera, a professional company.
...offer performance opportunities to it participants in a professional setting, but with educational goals.
...provide Knoxville Opera with an ensemble whose talents can be drawn upon for assistance in casting supporting roles, chorus, education outreach, and performances for special functions.
A description of the program:
The Knoxville Opera Studio, organized in
1984, is a joint venture between the University of Tennessee School
of Music and Knoxville Opera Company. The program offers developing
singers opportunities to gain professional exposure and experience
with the Company while pursuing a Master of Music degree in vocal
performance at the School of Music. Studio members participate
in master-classes with Company artists as well as visiting master
teachers, undertake secondary and supporting roles with Knoxville
Opera, and sing with the highly
acclaimed Knoxville Opera ensemble, while receiving vocal instruction
through the School of Music. Under the auspices of Knoxville Opera
Company singers appear in educational outreach performances throughout
the Knoxville area and are a visible presence at functions of
all types throughout the region. At the same time they take principal
roles in productions of the University of Tennessee Opera Theatre
under the direction of Carroll Freeman. This close association
with the University of Tennessee has enhanced the artistic quality
of Knoxville Opera productions. At the same time, the existence
of the Knoxville Opera Studio has attracted quality students at
all levels of development to the University of Tennessee's School
of Music, thus creating one of the strongest training programs
for singers in the Southeast. With UT Opera Theatre functioning
at such a high level and acting as a full partner with Knoxville
Opera, it becomes possible for Knoxville Opera to offer two opera
productions concurrently during their annual Rossini Festival.
The Accompanist/Coaching Program
The University of Tennessee offers a Master's of
Music Degree in Accompanying for talented pianists with an interest
in pursuing a career in coaching/accompanying. In this program,
under the direction of Dr. Christy Lee, keyboardists serve as
pianists for the Knoxville Opera Studio where opportunities include
accompanying mainstage productions, master classes, and outreach
programs. Students are given special classes in languages, diction,
chamber music and a variety of other topics geared towards the
specialty of this field. Qualified accompanying majors are given
assistantships, which include full tuition waivers and stipends.
Recent guest artists for the program include George Darden, Benton
Hess, and Stanford Olsen. Graduates of this program have appeared
in performance with organizations such as Knoxville Opera, Memphis
Opera, Pensacola Opera, the Jefferson Performing Arts Society,
the Mid-South Flute Festival, and the Tennessee Cello Workshop.
Read testimonials from
participants in the Knoxville Opera Studio Program
Contact Information
University of Tennessee-Knoxville, School of Music
Website with a message from the Director, Roger Stephens: www.music.utk.edu
Link to the School of Music's page about the Knoxville Opera Studio www.music.utk.edu/Knoxville_Opera_Studio.html
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Roger Stephens
Director, School of Music
865-974-3241
music@utk.edu
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Andrew Wentzel
Knoxville Opera Studio Administrator
865-974-0830
Read more about Mr. Wentzel: www.music.utk.edu/Voice.html
awentzel@utk.edu
Carroll Freeman
Knoxville Opera Studio Artistic Director
865-974-7567
Read more about Mr. Freeman: www.music.utk.edu/Voice.html
operacarroll@cs.com
Dr. Christy Lee
Knoxville Opera Studio Music Director
865-974-2110
Read more about Dr. Lee: www.music.utk.edu/Voice.html
clee21@utk.edu
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