UNCG Opera Theatre

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The UNCG Opera Theatre, under the direction of David Holley, annually produces at least four operas. Since 1993, UNCG's productions have regularly earned awards in the National Opera Association's Annual Opera Production Competition, including first place recognition for Susannah (2004), Little Women (2003), Orpheus in the Underworld (2001), The Consul (2000), Dialogues of the Carmelites (1997), Amahl and the Night Visitors (1996), and Don Giovanni (1994).

In the spring of 2009, the UNCG Opera Theatre proudly presented the world premier of Libby Larsen's Picnic which was commissioned in 2004 by a generous grant from the Charles A. Babock Foundation. To read more about this project, click here.

Other significant UNCG Opera Theatre highlights include the 2003 North Carolina premier of Mark Adamo’s Little Women. Mr. Adamo attended opening night and was in residence to work with the cast for several days the week before. As a result, audio excerpts from our production appear (upon Mr. Adamo's recommendation) on Thirty New Operas, a two-CD set that G. Schirmer has produced and distributed to opera companies worldwide.

Alumni of the UNCG School of Music, Theatre and Dance are currently singing principal roles on some of the world's most prestigious stages, including the Metropolitan Opera, The New York City Opera, The Chicago Lyric Opera, and The San Francisco Opera, The Houston Grand Opera, and as well as major summer festivals, such as Wolf Trap and Central City Opera.

There are many performing opportunities in the Greensboro area for aspiring professional singers. The Greensboro Opera provides an excellent opportunity for UNCG's students to gain valuable experience alongside seasoned professionals. Artists recently appearing in Greensboro include some who are on the roster of the Metropolitan Opera and/or New York City Opera: Amy Johnson (Tosca), Allan Glassman (Madama Butterfly, Carmen, and Otello), and Jane Bunnell (Tales of Hoffmann). Many UNCG students are hired to sing in the chorus and frequently are cast in comprimario roles. In addition, Piedmont Opera (Winston-Salem), Triangle Opera (Durham), Opera Carolina (Charlotte), and The Opera Company of North Carolina (Raleigh) are all thriving regional companies within 90 minutes of Greensboro.

One of the primary missions of the UNCG Opera Theatre is outreach to the community, and particularly, educating children about opera. Activities include an annual tour to the elementary schools and on-campus matinee performances. The UNCG Opera Theatre annually introduces over 10,000 school children to the wonderful world of opera.

Additional partnerships forged with Triad organizations include collaborations with The Philharmonia of Greensboro and the North State Chorale (Cavalleria Rusticana, Susannah), The English Speaking Union of Greensboro (Trial by Jury), The Greensboro Youth Chorus (Hansel and Gretel and La Bohème), West Market United Methodist Church (The Wise Women), Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church (Dialogues of the Carmelites), and The Music Academy of North Carolina and Westover Church (Amahl and the Night Visitors).

For more information, please write to David Holley, Director of Opera at: d_holley@uncg.edu