Opera at Simpson
In February 2013, Simpson College Opera performed Cinderella by Jules Massenet. This production featured Simpson's first ever guest stage director, Crystal Manich. In addition to directing the show, Manich offered acting classes for Simpson students.
Watch the Trailer!
Are you a High School Student who's interested in Opera?
Join us this summer for Orpheus–a special week-long music camp for serious high school musicians. Staffed by Simpson’s outstanding music faculty, the camp takes place July 14-21 and features a fully-staged operetta and musical theatre workshop. Please click the link above for more information.
Why Simpson 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, a madrigal dinner, and a European tour! 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
Opera at Simpson Presents "Die Fledermaus"
Simpson's Fall 2011 production of “Die Fledermaus” was sung in English with a student cast and chorus. The orchestra was drawn from Des Moines area professional players, Simpson instrumental faculty, and student instrumentalists. It was conducted by Bernard McDonald, Simpson's Director of Opera. Stage direction was by Bruce Brown, Assistant Professor of Music.
Simpson's Fall 2011 production of “Die Fledermaus” was sung in English with a student cast and chorus. The orchestra was drawn from Des Moines area professional players, Simpson instrumental faculty, and student instrumentalists. It was conducted by Bernard McDonald, Simpson's Director of Opera. Stage direction was by Bruce Brown, Assistant Professor of Music.
Most Recent Opera Productions:
2006 Spring Così fan tutte
2006 Fall Suor Angelica / Gianni Schicchi
2007 Spring Albert Herring
2007 Fall Dido and Aeneas / Pagliacci
2008 Spring The Consul
2008 Fall Prima Donna / Il Campanello
2009 Spring Falstaff
2009 Fall The Marriage of Figaro
2010 Spring The Mikado
2010 Fall The Magic Flute
2011 Spring Albert Herring
2011 Fall Die Fledermaus
2012 Spring Così fan tutte
2012 Fall The Beggar’s Opera
2013 Spring Cendrillon
