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, Purcell's Dido and Aeneas, Ravel's L'enfant et les sortileges, and the regional premiere of Rachel Portman's beautiful opera, The Little Prince in collaboration with the Ithaca Children's Choir. The spring of 2011 featured Monteverdi's Orfeo, and Mozart's Magic Flute is planned for 2012.

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

Brad Hougham, Assistant Professor
Diction coach

Ilana Atkins and Maxwell Grossman, Graduate Assistants
Opera and Musical Theater Conducting