Opera
Opera Theatre trains future singing actors through comprehensive stagecraft and interpretation, producing acclaimed performances.
The Light in the Piazza performed by UM Opera Theatre.
2021 Opera Season
The Art of Opera Theatre
About
The University of Mississippi Opera Theatre provides comprehensive training for the next generation of singing actors. Performers receive developmental training in movement, interpretation, stagecraft, audition preparation, and learn how to work with conductors, coaches, directors, and colleagues to prepare for careers on the stage.
Productions
Opera Theatre produces quality, award-winning productions of operas, operettas, and musicals in many languages and styles, spanning the Baroque to contemporary, and includes well-loved classics and new works alike, e.g., The Light in the Piazza, Albert Herring, L’Enfant et les Sortilèges, La finta giardiniera, L’elisir d’amore, and several works by Gilbert & Sullivan.
Collaborations
Opera Theatre is strongly committed to collaborations with contemporary opera composers, having premiered the chamber orchestration of Linda Lister’s State of Grace (2018) to great acclaim, and enjoys regular partnerships within the Oxford community and beyond.
The 2024-2024 Opera Season
The Tie That Binds: Scenes of Love and Conflict
A performance of opera scenes.
Friday, October 18 – 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 20 – 3:00 p.m.
- David H. Nutt Auditorium
An Evening of Arias
Featuring the singers of UM Opera
Tuesday, November 19 – 7:30 p.m.
- David H. Nutt Auditorium
La canterina & The Beautiful Bridegroom
An Opera Double Feature:
La canterina by by Joseph Haydn and The Beautiful Bridegroom, music and Libretto by Dan Shore.
Friday, April 11 – 7:30pm
Sunday, April 13 – 3:00pm
- Gertrude C. Ford Performing Arts Center
Auditions
Current UM Music students
Auditions for the 2024–2025 season, Perfect Matches: A Season of Love and Laughter, have concluded. Contact Dr. Bonita Bunt at bebunt@olemiss.edu for more information.
Prospective students
All voice students must audition to enter the University of Mississippi Department of Music – whether undergraduate or graduate, a music major or minor.
Your voice audition will satisfy audition requirements for UM Opera Theatre, UM Choirs, and the UM Music Department Vocal Area – all with one submission.
Welcome to UM Opera Theatre
I am delighted to have you join UM Opera Theatre as a member of our company or audience. Together we are ready to explore the depth and beauty of this magnificent art form as we bring stories to life through powerful performances, rigorous training, and a shared passion for the stage!
Bonita Bunt
Assistant Professor of Music/Director of Opera
Meet the Opera Theatre Faculty
Bonita Bunt
- Assistant Professor of Music/Director of Opera
Amanda Johnston
- Professor of Music
Graduate Assistantships
Opera graduate assistants are graduate students in vocal performance who are preparing for a professional career in opera and singing. In their roles as GAs, they work with faculty to help manage the company. Combined with their coursework and performance schedule, their experience as GAs gives them additional skills and insight into the logistics of performance.
More information on graduate assistantships can be found on our Graduate Programs page.
Past Performances
UM Opera Theatre presents 'Mozart Meets The Phantom of the Opera' in Nutt Auditorium.
UM Opera Theatre performers rehearse for 'Opera & Musical Scenes: Inspired by Art & Dance'.
A student in the UM Opera production, The Light in the Piazza, prepares for her performance in the dressing room.
UM Opera Theatre performs The Light in the Piazza.
UM Opera Theatre performers rehearse for 'Opera & Musical Scenes: Inspired by Art & Dance'.
UM Opera Theatre performs The Light in the Piazza.
UM Opera Theatre presents 'Mozart Meets The Phantom of the Opera' in Nutt Auditorium.
UM Opera Theatre performers rehearse for 'Opera & Musical Scenes: Inspired by Art & Dance'.
UM Opera Theatre presents 'Mozart Meets The Phantom of the Opera' in Nutt Auditorium.
UM Opera Theatre presents The Light in the Piazza.
UM Opera Theatre presents 'Mozart Meets The Phantom of the Opera' in Nutt Auditorium.
Previous Seasons
- Secrets & Rumors | Opera Scenes
- La Serva Padrona & Aria Showcase
- Benjamin Britten’s The Turn of the Screw with the LOU Symphony Orchestra
- Twists of Fate: Scenes of Magic and Mayhem
- Handel’s Alcina with the LOU Symphony Orchestra
Performed with full orchestra, in original language
2024 The Turn of the Screw
2023 Alcina
2022 State of Grace
2021 The Light in the Piazza
2020 Die Fledermaus (**cancelled COVID-19)
2019 HMS Pinafore
2018 La finta giardiniera
2017 Albert Herring
2016 L’enfant et les sortilèges (2nd place NOA Production Competition)
Der Schauspieldirektor
2015 Hamlet: Prince of Denmark
2014 L’elisir d’amore
2013 The Merry Wives of Windsor
2012 Die Dreigroschenoper
2011 The Gondoliers
2010 Suor Angelica
Gianni Schicchi
2009 Carmen
Opera Scenes, peformed with piano
2023 “Secrets and Rumors”
2022 “Twists of Fate: Scenes of Magic and Mayhem”
2021 “From the Met to Broadway and Back Again”
2020 “It Takes Two”
2019 “The Room Where it Happens”
2018 “Divas, Outcasts, and Fools”
2017 “Mozart Meets the Phantom of the Opera”
2016 “Inspired by Art and Dance”
AJ Sabbatical Leave
2014 “Operatic and Musical Theatre Journeys”
2013 “From the Met to Broadway and Back Again”
2012 “Classic Literature Sings!”
2011 “Opera Favorites”
2010 “Hysterical Opera: Murder, Madness, and Mayhem”
2009 “Brush up your Shakespeare”
2008 “From the Met to Broadway and Back Again”
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