On Jan. 6, CSUF School of Music opera theatre students placed second in Division One of the Robert Hansen Collegiate Opera Scenes Competition during the 70th Annual National Opera Association National Conference in Savannah, Georgia. The competition recognizes and promotes artistic excellence in collegiate opera performance programs.
Directed by Kerry Jennings, associate professor of music, with assistance from pianist David Bergstedt, students Gabriela Atkinson, Katelyn Cruz, Adam Daruvala, Bryce Rivera and Miles Rojo performed a scene from Mozart’s opera “Così fan tutte.”
Based on preliminary results from submitted video performances, the selected finalists were invited to perform in the festival final round by a distinguished judging panel of opera professionals.
Scenes were judged on musical style and accuracy, diction, vocal quality, basic stagecraft, individual characterization and ensemble interaction, as well as creative use of set, props, and costumes based on the competition limitations.
CSUF’s preliminary video entry scene came from Benjamin Britten’s “The Turn of the Screw,” performed by Jenna Hansen and Rivera, which advanced CSUF to the final round, one of four national finalists which including Missouri State University and Samford University.
This year’s final round judges included Isaí Jess Muñoz, NOA president and voice division chair at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee; Allen Henderson, executive director of the National Association of Teachers of Singing; and composers and artistic directors from Central City Opera, Lyric Opera of Orange County and the Savannah VOICE Festival.
Hear CSUF’s opera theatre students perform in the new opera “Hajar” on Feb. 21. Students receive complimentary tickets to all main stage theatre and dance shows, and music performances.