Portland State University Opera

This unique opera program provides undergraduates and graduates with the opportunity to experience every aspect of preparation and performance of an opera role. In opera workshop and opera productions students learn how to work with a stage director and conductor, how to work with costumes, props and to sing with an orchestra. Each year, an opera is chosen that best represents the talents and skills of the students in the Department of Music. The operas are double cast whenever possible to provide more students with an experience that is invaluable to young performers as they prepare to audition for graduate schools, young artist programs and to begin their careers. The Jeannine B. Cowles Distinguished Professorship brings internationally recognized artists such as Marilyn Horne, Sherrill Milnes, Martina Arroyo, Maestro Stephen Crawford and stage director Tito Capobianco to Portland State University each year to share their expert knowledge and understanding with the students as they prepare the opera.