Alumni Spotlight: Allen Perriello ’06

Erik Kibelsbeck, 4/3/2009

I recently moved to San Francisco to begin the Adler Fellowship at the San Francisco Opera. The Adler Fellowship is a two-year resident artist program that bridges the gap between conservatory training and a professional career. There are 11 singers and two pianists in the program. I will coach singers and work on main-stage productions. My assignments for the upcoming season include Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, Verdi’s Il Trovatore, and Mozart’s Die Entführung aus dem Serail. The program also provides language courses and study with master teachers. I was one of a few artists chosen for the Adler Fellowship from the apprentice coaches in San Francisco Opera’s Merola Opera Program during the summer of 2008.

My work as an opera pianist and vocal coach began while I was at Ithaca. I accompanied many voice lessons and collaborated with voice students on degree recitals. My first opera project was The Consul during my junior year. Patrick Hansen really took the time to help me learn what an opera pianist does; I am so grateful for the guidance he provided for me that year. After graduating in 2006, I had the opportunity to work at the Ash Lawn Opera Festival with Brian DeMaris. Brian helped me a lot that summer, and he also took the time to prepare me for what I would do in graduate school and beyond. I went on to the University of Cincinnati College–Conservatory of Music for a master’s degree in collaborative piano. While there, I served as a pianist/coach for five produc-tions and chorus master for three. My other professional coaching engagements have included Rising Star Opera Theater and Opera Cleveland. I am deeply indebted to IC’s faculty and curriculum for providing a well-rounded education that prepared me for this incredible opportunity in San Francisco. I am thankful for the variety of experiences I was offered through the performance/education degree program, as well as the Dana internship with the Ithaca Children’s Choir. I give special thanks to my primary teachers, Read Gainsford, Jennifer Hayghe, and Janet Galván, for believing in me and sharing all they had to offer during my time at Ithaca.