ENSEMBLES
Opera Program
The USC Thornton School of Music Opera Program is one of America’s premier training grounds for provocative productions of classic and modern masterpieces.
About
The USC Thornton Opera program is an integral part of the Vocal Arts Department, providing career development opportunities for: singers, coaches, pianists, conductors and directors. The program includes instruction in stage training; role study and analysis; body movement; stage direction; and coaching techniques for collaborative pianists and conductors.
The program’s opera workshop is an immersive, repertory experience involving the preparation and performance of works and excerpts presented both on and off the USC campus.The opera program has access to all USC Thornton School of Music facilities as well as the USC School of Dramatic Arts’ premiere venue, Bing Theatre. To learn more about the opera program, visit their website.
Ensemble Information
In addition to studying under Music Director Brent McMunn and Resident Stage Director Ken Cazan, participants work with nationally and internationally recognized artists and designers. The USC Thornton Vocal Arts Department also brings in distinguished opera industry professionals each semester to conduct seminars and master classes.
As Conductor of Opera at USC’s Thornton School of Music since 2004, Brent McMunn has led performances of repertoire ranging from the Early Baroque to the 21st Century, with a special emphasis on Bel Canto repertoire.
USC Thornton Opera Resident Stage Director Ken Cazan has directed over 180 international productions. Outside of opera, he has directed plays and musicals for various theatre companies across America and in Europe.
Auditions
The Opera Program holds auditions in August of each year. Contact the Opera Office (uscopera@usc.edu) to receive more information.
Students currently admitted to a USC degree program are eligible to audition. Graduate and undergraduate students (from their sophomore year on) may schedule a time. Newly admitted freshmen need clearance from their Thornton Voice Teacher.
2023-2024
Season Overview
The Opera Program annually produces two fully staged shows, featuring a wide range of repertoire from contemporary to Baroque, during the fall and spring semesters.
Its winter presentation of Opera Scenes features selections from opera and musical theater that showcase the talents of our student singing-actors.
by Philip Glass and Robert Moran
libretto by Arthur Yorinks
A double-bill production April 18 – 21
by Jules Massenet
libretto by Francis de Croisset and
Henri Cain
November 15 -19 | Bing Theatre
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