Western Illinois University’s Opera program is open to all students campus wide. It is particularly designed to give voice students the opportunity to study, explore and perform a variety of works within the operatic and classical musical theatre canons. WIUOT provides a safe collaborative space for students to refine their singing and acting skills.

Course Offerings

• Fall Semester: Opera Workshop
• Spring Semester: Opera Production (audition required)

WIU OPERA THEATRE - DIRECTOR

Brenda Iglesias, M.M. | Lecturer, voice

C.T. Vivian Diversity Scholar
WIU Opera Theatre
Browne Hall 120, Western Illinois University
Email: BP-Iglesiaszarco@wiu.edu
Phone: (309) 298-1544 (School of Music Office)

Website: www.brendaiglesias.com

Website: Profile on School of Music

Audition Information

Opera auditions occur each fall semester for the spring production.

2021-2022 WIU Opera Theatre Season

WIU Opera Theatre presents U.S. premiere of 'The Last Sorcerer'

Date: May 6 and May 7, 2022

Time: 7:30pm

Place: Hainline Theater

Tickets:
General Admissions: $10.00
WIU Students and Music Faculty: Free with valid identification

Purchase tickets by visit the Hainline Theater Box Office or call (309) 298-2900.

Originally titled "Le Dernier Sorcier," WIU Opera Theatre presents a new English adaptation of this French opera by Pauline Viardot created especially for us by Kathleen Kelly. This is the first time this opera has been produced at a U.S. university, so you won't want to miss the premiere!!!

Opera Scenes Showcase

Date: December 11, 2021

Time: 7:30pm

Place: COFAC Recital Hall

Music by Gilbert & Sullivan, Mozart, Cimarrosa, Bizet, and Puccini.

Admission is free, but donations are accepted at the event (cash or check) or in advance at wiu.edu/givetomusic. Designate your gift to "Other Designation" and enter "Opera Program."

All WIU COVID protocols are in place.

Masterclass with International Soprano Cyntia Lawrence

Date: October 16, 2021

Time: 4:00-6:00pm

Place: COFAC Recital Hall

Featuring vocal students: Kamryn Meeks, Emma Bachman, Joshua Pitt, Mariah Walker, Catherine Sulla, Matthew Scheuerman

With Alternate singer: Eden Beier

All WIU COVID protocols are in place.

Spring 2021 - "Opera in the Park" - A concert of favorite arias and duets from Operas and Operettas in beautiful Chandler Park in Macomb.

Fall 2020 - "Aria Extravaganza" - A virtual concert of Opera and Musical Theatre Arias

Past WIUOT Seasons

• 2019-2020
  Fall Showcase, December 5, 2019
  Spring Opera Double Bill: May 1-2, 2020,
  performances canceled due to COVID-19
  • VENUS AND ADONIS by John Blow 
  • DER BEKEHRTE TRUNKENBOLD ("The Converted Drunkard") by Christoph Willibald Gluck
• 2018-2019: Le Nozze di Figaro (Mozart)
• 2017-2018: Hansel and Gretel (Humperdinck)
• 2016-2017: The Old Maid and the Thief (Menotti) and The Devil and Daniel Webster (Moore)
• 2015-2016: Iolanthe (Gilbert & Sullivan)
• 2014-2015: Dido and Aeneas (Purcell) and The Impresario (Mozart)
• 2013-2014: Die Fledermaus (J. Strauss)
• 2012-2013: The Pirates of Penzance (Gilbert & Sullivan)
• 2011-2012: The Medium (Menotti); The Phantom of the Opera (Lloyd-Webber) Scholarship Concert
• 2010-2011: The Telephone (Menotti) and Gianni Schicchi (Puccini)
• 2009-2010: Amahl and the Night Visitors (Menotti)
• 2008-2009: Trouble in Tahiti (Bernstein) and Gallantry (Moore)

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