Bio:
Dr. Damon Stevens is Director of Opera and Assistant Professor of Music at Simpson College, where he additionally music directs for Simpson Productions, teaches music history, and coaches voice. Prior to coming to Simpson, he served on the faculties of Northern Kentucky University, the University of Nevada (UNR), and the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music.
An accomplished music director in both opera and musical theatre, Dr. Stevens’ recent opera productions for Northern Kentucky University’s Music Program include Trial by Jury, Gallantry, La Canterina, Dido and Aeneas, The Tender Land, and others. For the Theatre Program, his recent credits include NKU’s regional premieres of The Lightning Thief and Freaky Friday as well as H.M.S. Pinafore, Big Fish, Kiss Me, Kate, Into the Woods, and many more.
While in the greater Cincinnati area, Dr. Stevens was in demand as a music director for his critically acclaimed work in community musical theatre. Regional music directing credits include Footloose, Newsies, Once On This Island, The Drowsy Chaperone, The Producers, Chicago, and others. Prior to his time in Cincinnati, Dr. Stevens was on faculty at the University of Nevada (UNR) for nearly a decade where he was appointed Artistic Director for the University’s award-winning Nevada Chamber Opera and music directed for the Nevada Repertory Company. Among his many musical directing credits with UNR include The Threepenny Opera, Die Zauberflöte, H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance, and Die Fledermaus.
While in Nevada, he also served as Chorus Master and Interim Artistic Director for the professional opera company, Nevada Opera. He holds degrees from Arizona State University and the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music where he also served on the teaching faculty. Dr. Stevens has performed both as soloist and collaborative pianist throughout the United States and Europe in such diverse venues as radio, television, and concert halls.
Credentials:
- D.M.A. University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music, 2007.
- M.M. University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music, 1996.
- B.M. Arizona State University, summa cum laude, 1982.
Awards:
- Honorable Mention, National Opera Association’s Opera Production Competition for La Voix Humaine, 2009-2010.
- Second Prize, National Opera Association’s Opera Production Competition for H.M.S. Pinafore, 2008-2009.