Opera

Elevate Your Artistry: Opera at Portland State University

Portland State University Opera is a nationally renowned training ground for the next generation of vocal artists. Defined by innovative, fully staged productions and a faculty of seasoned professionals, our program bridges the gap between academic study and an international stage career.

Our legacy is written in the success of our alumni, who include Grammy Award winners, Metropolitan Opera National Council Audition victors, and soloists gracing the stages of the Metropolitan Opera, Covent Garden, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the Salzburg State Theater.

(Photo above by Chad Lanning: PSU Opera's The Magic Flute)

PSU Opera students in costume performing Così fan tutte.

Study Opera at PSU

PSU's world-class faculty and acclaimed guest directors support student productions that bring sold-out shows and national awards. Combined with a supportive, creative community, we prepare you for the professional stage. Students specializing in Opera enroll as Music Performance majors with a Focus in Voice.

(Photo by Chad Lanning: PSU Opera's production of Così fan Tutte)

Learn More About Voice at PSU

A woman in a dress sits in a chair as an American soldier kneels in front of her holding her hand. They are on stage in a 40s style diner with other characters watching them

2025-2026 PSU Opera Season

PSU Opera presents two fully staged Opera productions every year and a workshop performance of arias and operatic scenes. Learn about our upcoming productions, get tickets, explore our archive of previous productions, donate or sign up to usher. We hope to see you at our next opera event!

(Photo by Chad Lanning: PSU Opera's The Eleanors)

View the season productions

Auditions are open to all PSU students of any major.

SCHOLARSHIPS

To be considered for Music scholarships and Portland State University scholarships, and to apply for financial aid, you must submit the FAFSA and apply for scholarships in PSU’s Scholarship Universe Application.

Kelley Nassief - Opera Program Director

Kelley Nassief has been critically acclaimed for performances on operatic, symphonic, and recital stages across the globe. As an alum of Portland State University, she is excited to bring her knowledge and experience back to the next generation of students.

Contact Kelly

OPERA ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

PSU Opera alumni have led amazing voice careers on the best stages around the world. Learn more!

Audrey Luna

Metropolitan Opera star and Grammy Award winner Audrey Luna graduated with her undergraduate degree from Portland State University in 2001 and earned her master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.

"I was able to tailor my undergraduate education at Portland State University around my goal of becoming an opera singer. The opera department provided me with ample opportunities to grow within its walls and beyond – from performing in full-scale operas to regular masterclasses with singers, enjoying an international career to the unforgettable tour of Germany with chamber choir. I enjoyed all that the PSU music department had to offer and am so grateful for my time there." ~ Audrey Luna

Clayton Brainerd

This Portland, Oregon-born, award-winning bass-baritone has amassed an impressive list of accolades and successes in the last decade singing leading roles with the major orchestras and opera companies of the world. His imposing stage presence and powerful voice have electrified audiences in Europe, New Zealand, North and South America, Korea and Japan.

"My studies at Portland State University were critical in my path to achieving worldwide success as an opera singer...[T]he high-quality [faculty] provided the support and belief in me to propel me on year after year. I am so thankful for the opportunity to have earned my Bachelor of Music from Portland State University!" ~ Clayton Brainerd

PSU's Music programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).