Opera

Opera Theatre trains future singing actors through comprehensive stagecraft and interpretation, producing acclaimed performances.

A performer during The Light in the Piazza wraps his arms around the head of another performer sitting in a chair as he raises his hand up with a shocked look on his face — The Light in the Piazza performed by UM Opera Theatre.

2021 Opera Season

The Art of Opera Theatre

empty theater stage before the production begins

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.

two actors on stage together in an embrace of joy

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.

performer applying make up in the dressing room

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.

Audition

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.

Graduate Programs