facebook icon twitter icon youtube icon

Opera at Simpson

 

Opera Logo Black

Simpson College is proud to continue our long-standing tradition of producing two fully-staged operas each academic year. These productions provide students with diverse opportunities to work with Simpson's faculty of seasoned opera professionals as well as exceptional guest artists. Our audiences appreciate these dynamic performances in a wide range of repertoire. We invite you to join us for our next opera!

Why Simpson College Opera?

  • Two fully-staged productions of opera or musical theater per academic year
  • Principal, supporting, and chorus roles performed exclusively by undergraduates
  • Student opera with a professional orchestra
  • First-rate voice, coaching, conducting, and piano faculty
  • Dedicated one-on-one music preparation, vocal, and language coaching
  • Biannual May Term Opera Workshop in musical preparation, stagecraft and career development
  • Visiting professional stage directors, designers, and master teachers
  • Internships and employment opportunities with the Des Moines Metro Opera

A Student's Perspective

“As a Simpson College music student, I have had the opportunity to participate in eight operas, three regional tours, two madrigal dinners, and two European tours! In auditions and masterclasses I have already benefited from Simpson’s network of outstanding alumni, many of whom are influential in the field of professional opera.”
-THADDEUS ENNEN ’13 Bachelor of Music, voice performance major

Discover the History of Simpson's Opera

A Welcome from Director of Opera             

Simpson College offers an unusual and highly distinctive undergraduate opera program with two fully-staged productions a year and a biannual May Term Opera Workshop in musical preparation, stagecraft, and career development for singers and student conductors, pianists, and stage directors.

A first-rate faculty in the areas of voice, vocal coaching, conducting, and piano allows for dedicated one-on-one musical preparation, with vocal, language, and acting coaching that is exceptional in undergraduate music education. A close, historic partnership with the Des Moines Metro Opera allows for internships and employment opportunities for music students.

The number of alumni working at the highest level as singers, artistic administrators, and educators, demonstrates that Simpson College punches far above its weight in the field.