Opera at Western
Western Illinois University Opera Theatre
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

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.


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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