Category Archives: Outreach

L’enfant et les Sortilèges

Dear Friends!

On March 8th, at 7:30 in Meany Studio Theatre of the University of Washington, the Opera Workshop of the University of Washington School of Music will present Maurice Ravel’s magical one-act opera, L’enfant et les Sortilèges. This delightful show will feature students of the Opera Workshop Vocal Performance Program, with Maestro Stephen Stubbs conducting in a production directed by visiting faculty artist Deanne Meek. We hope you can join us and support the wonderful work these talented students are doing!

As some of you know, we previewed some of the scenes from the opera as part of our December 2017 “Works in Process: Creating Narrative in Songs and Scenes” performance. I include photos of this to give you a small preview of Thursday’s fully staged production.

There will be a small reception afterwards, in which you can meet the artists and learn more about the Opera Program and the exciting work we have been doing. If you’ve been a supporter of the program in the past, consider this a small thank you for your support. If you’re new to our work, we look forward to sharing news of our growth and vision for the future. Primarily, we want to share this beautiful music with you all as we celebrate the importance of art in our lives and nurture a new generation of artists.

Please Join Us!

Sincerely,

Deanne Meek

Visiting Artist Faculty; Teacher and Director

University of Washington School of Music

Opera Workshop

Kari Ragan publishes national NATS refereed article

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The National Association of Teachers of Singing has peer-reviewed and published a new article by Dr. Kari Ragan, full time artist-in-residence of voice at University of Washington. The article is entitled “Serious About Singing: Age Appropriate Repertoire for the Talented Teen”, and appears in the January/February 2016 issue of NATS journal. This article delves into one of the most important issues in voice teaching: proper assignment of literature based on the unique abilities (and limitations) of young singers. Kari writes, “We must select repertoire that gives our young singers the best chance for advancement in competitive situations while remaining aware of the serious vocal requirements of operatic arias.”

Dr. Ragan has become one of the nation’s leaders in voice science and voice pedagogy, presenting papers at numerous conferences across the United States. She is also a specialist in Contemporary Music Theater (CMT) pedagogy, helping to lead and direct efforts in the new University of Washington music theatre degree program, as well as publishing substantive articles on the topic.

Seattle Times Lauds UW Music’s Magic Flute Collaboration

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University of Washington vocalists and instrumentalists shone brightly in the second of a series of planned collaborations with Pacific MusicWorks, as evidenced in this glowing Seattle Times review by Melinda Bargreen. Bargreen writes, “One of the most positive environments for music students is the opportunity to perform alongside excellent professionals. At the University of Washington School of Music, the new partnership with the pros – in this case, the much-lauded Pacific MusicWorks – is providing bonuses for both students and audiences in the stellar new production of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute.” The production was directed by Dan Wallace Miller with musical direction by Stephen Stubbs.

Next year the two organizations will launch Gluck’s “Orphée” May 20, 21 and 22nd, 2016. Ticket information available here.

UW Faculty Stephen Stubbs recipient of Mayor’s Arts Award

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Mayor’s Arts Award: Stephen Stubbs

Stephen Stubbs has been involved with early music since discovering the lute as a high school student at Seattle’s Nathan Hale High School in the 1960s. Read more about the artist and why Seattle Mayor Ed Murray has recognized him for Raising the Bar in the Seattle arts community in this article from City Arts magazine. And stay tuned for updates about this springs upcoming collaboration on Magic Flute with Pacific Music Works!

Students shine in Semele

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Check out this Seattle Times review about last weekend’s stunning production of Handel’s Baroque opera Semele! There is much cause for celebration in the success of this collaboration between the choir and voice divisions at UW and Pacific MusicWorks. The chorus consisted of members of Chamber Singers, UW Chorale, Men’s Glee and Recital Choir. Students in solo roles included Chris Kouldukis, Emerald Lessley, Christina Kowalski-Holien, Joseph Muriello, Brianna Atwell and Dakota Miller. Next year’s production will be Mozart’s Magic Flute- tune back for more details soon.

Dr. Kari Ragan introduces new vocal health study

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Dr. Ragan initiates new vocal health study

Trials have started using singers from the University of Washington voice department, as part of a national study initiated by Dr. Kari Ragan entitled “The Pedagogical Basis for Vocal Cool Down Exercises.” The purpose of the study is to determine whether “cool downs” can have a beneficial effect for singers in a similar way to “warming up.” Here at UW we are very excited to be at the cutting edge of new discoveries in voice science!

Orpheus Ensemble Shines at Issaquah HS runout

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University of Washington Orpheus Ensemble, under the direction of DMA candidate Kristin Lindenmuth, appeared live at Issaquah High School’s assembly last Friday with opera scenes and a Q and A session. Issaquah HS solo and ensemble participants were invited to the stage for the last scene to share in the performance. Keep your eyes out for updates of when you can see Orpheus Ensemble on campus in the near future! The Orpheus Ensemble is comprised of top undergraduate and graduate students from the vocal performance program at University of Washington.