The Northern Arizona University Opera provides a multitude of enriching operatic experiences for both graduate and undergraduate performers with operatic potential. Professor Nando Schellen oversees and directs both opera scenes performances and full productions within the vocal area of the School of Music. Our goal is to provide singers with the skills necessary to perform on the operatic stage with confidence and to prepare them for further study in the field of opera. Singers have the opportunity to work with artist teachers and dedicated educators who bring a wealth of international professional experience into the academic setting. Full opera productions and opera scenes programs are performed in the original language. Foreign language coaching is available through the Modern Language Department in the College of Arts and Letters.
All roles to be performed within NAU Opera productions are double cast whenever possible, and students for smaller productions as well as scenes are selected from within the program in an Opera Studio format. The voice performance program also offers a number of classes related to Opera including Movement and Acting for singers, Opera History, and an elective independent study in Opera directing. All productions are performed in the original language with projected super titles and are mounted in Ardrey Auditorium on campus, which seats 1500 patrons and has an orchestra pit capable of holding a full size Wagner Orchestra. For smaller sized productions Ashurst Auditorium on campus is also available.
For language coaching we receive highly valued help from the Modern Language Department in the College of Arts and Letters, such as Italian (Dr. Robert Johnston) and German (Dr. Marilya Reese).