PSU Opera's "The Magic Flute" awarded third place in national competition

Portland State Opera was awarded third place in the National Opera Association’s 2022-2023 Opera Production Competition (Division IV) for their Spring 2023 production of “The Magic Flute.”

The 2022-2023 competition cycle had 87 entrants, divided into undergraduate and graduate levels sorted into eight divisions. PSU Opera’s production of “The Magic Flute” took third place in the fourth division.

The creative team included internationally renowned opera director Linda Brovsky and PSU Opera director Kelley Nassief, artistic director; Dr. Chuck Dillard, music director; Peter West, lighting designer; and Lawrence Larsen, set designer. Portland State’s interpretation of Mozart’s final opera, with a libretto by Emanuel Schikaneder, set the beloved classic in a high-fantasy, medieval world with a beautiful princess, dashing hero, and a feathered sidekick facing terrifying dragons, mischievous fairies, and charming forest animals.  

"It’s a true honor for our production to receive this national recognition among such high-caliber opera programs from around the country,” Kelley Nassief said. “The award is a testament to the incredible talent and hard work of the student performers and the high-quality musical training our faculty and curriculum provide."  

The National Opera Association (NOA), founded in 1955, strives to promote a greater appreciation of opera and music theater. The prestigious Opera Production Competition’s aim is to “further the organization’s mission by encouraging and rewarding creative, high quality opera productions at academic institutions and music conservatories.”