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University Opera Theater

University Opera Theater. (Music 160). For many students, participation in opera is a defining part of their college experience. UC Santa Cruz's Music Department has one of the only university opera programs in the United States to feature almost entirely undergraduate casts, as most opera programs are dominated by graduate students. Our program gives undergraduate singers a rare opportunity to gain experience and grow in their craft by performing in leading roles. The full-length spring opera is fully-staged with live orchestra, professionally designed sets, costumes, lighting, wigs, and makeup. Music 160 in spring is the culmination of year-long involvement in opera. See Music 159 - Opera Workshop. Auditions for Opera Theater take place in the fall. Contact program director Sheila Willey with any questions. swilley@ucsc.edu

 

Past productions include:

The Pirates of Penzance - Sullivan (2019)

Die Zauberflöte - Mozart (2018)

Orpheus in the Underworld - Offenbach (2017)

Dido and Aeneas - Purcell (2016)

The Little Prince - Portman (2015)

Tartuffe - Mechem (2014)

Così fan tutte - Mozart (2013)

Little Women - Adamo (2012)*

Albert Herring - Britten (2011)

L'elisir d'amore - Donizetti (2010)

Le nozze di Figaro - Mozart (2009)

The Consul - Menotti (2008)

Die Zauberflöte - Mozart (2007)

A Midsummer Night's Dream - Britten (2006)*

Don Giovanni - Mozart (2005)

Street Scene - Weill (2004)

Le nozze di Figaro - Mozart (2003)

 

*Winner of the National Opera Association "Opera Production Award" 

See the Auditions Schedule and the Schedule of Classes for further detail.