Portland State University has a 50 year tradition of opera productions. It is the only university in the state that produces a full opera with orchestra each year. Since 1999, we have won several awards from the National Opera Association for our productions, Cosi fan Tutte (2007), Don Giovanni (2002) and The Marriage of Figaro (1999). 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. These productions are an invaluable experience to Portland State students learning how to prepare a role, work with a stage director and conductor, how to work with costumes and props and to sing with an orchestra. Each year, an opera is chosen that best represents the talents and skills of Portland State University students. The operas are double cast whenever possible to provide more students with an opera performance experience.
Scene from PSU Opera La Boheme
2010 Jeannine B. Cowles Distinguished Professor Tito Capobianco with Director of Opera Christine Meadows
World renowned director Tito Capobianco will return to prepare Franz Lehár's The Merry Widow
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