Ithaca College Opera

Operatic training is an integral component of the vocal performance curriculum at Ithaca College. The School of Music provides operatic experiences essential to all undergraduate voice majors either remotely or fully interested in pursuing a career in this immensely complicated and rewarding field.

The Main-stage Opera production, open by audition to all voice majors, provides an annual opportunity for voice majors to be part of a complete operatic production.  Here students gain performance experience through collaborating with fellow cast members, directors, conductors, designers, technicians, and stage management.  The student develops a deeper understanding of the how a production is conceived, from the first vocal coaching to closing night. Performances are often double cast, and at least six performances are given annually, fully staged, with costumes, lights, sets, and full orchestra.  Recent productions have included Handel's Acis and Galatea, Lehar's The Merry Widow, Menotti's The Consul, Mozart's Cosi fan Tutte, and Purcell's Dido and Aeneas.  Operas for the 2008/2009 academic year included Ravel's L'enfant et les sortileges, and Pauline Viardot's Cendrillon, both sung in French.  In February 2010 Ithaca College will be produce Rachel Portman's beautiful opera, The Little Prince.

IC Opera Objectives:

1. Students will develop a heightened sense of self-awareness both on and off stage.

2. Students will gain knowledge of a wide range of operatic repertoire and style through performance-oriented experience.

3. Students will gain insight to the operatic field and careers in opera performance, production, or administration.

Opera Faculty:

Brian DeMaris, Assistant Professor
Director of Opera and Musical Theater, Opera Workshop

David Lefkowich, Lecturer
Stage Director and Acting/Movement for the Opera Singer