Frost Department of Vocal Performance

12/09/2024

St. Stephen’s Coconut Grove Music Series will present a special holiday performance of Handel’s Messiah on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 7:00 PM. This performance will feature the talents of Frost students and alumni—Rachel Wresh, soprano (MM '24), Victor Bento, countertenor (DMA '26), Silvio Plata, tenor (BM '26), and David Dai-Han Lee, baritone (DMA '26). The performance is under the direction of conductor Gregory Cheng. In the beautiful setting of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Coconut Grove, this event promises to be a stirring celebration of music, community, and the holiday spirit. We invite you to join us for this unforgettable evening of artistry and collaboration.

For tickets and more information, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coconut-grove-music-series-presents-christmas-concert-chorus-and-orchestra-tickets-1078059317439?aff=oddtdtcreator

Complimentary Tickets are available for students using the promo code UofM.

12/02/2024

Doctoral student David Lee will present his first doctoral voice recital on Tuesday, the 3rd. Baritone David Lee is studying voice performance under the guidance of Professor Kim Josephson. His recital will feature works by Bach, Handel, Ravel, Fauré, Brahms, and Irving Fine.

Tuesday, December 3. 2024 2pm
Newman Recital Hall

11/21/2024

We are thrilled to for this Friday's masterclass with Joe Lodato!

The Frost School of Music’s MVP department will host a masterclass presented by rising star, Joe Lodato on Friday, November 22, 2024, at 3:30 pm in Nancy Greene Rehearsal Hall. Lodato is an Italian-American baritone originally from Nutley, New Jersey. Praised by audiences and critics for his vocal prowess and captivating stage presence, Lodato is an alumnus of the Frost School of Music. He has appeared in leading roles at companies like Opera Tampa, Sarasota Opera, the Glimmerglass Festival, to name a few. His repertoire includes iconic roles such as Figaro in Rossini's The Barber of Seville and Germont in Verdi's La Traviata, as well as contemporary works. His skills extend into the realm of film acting as he has appeared in American Horror Story, Succession, Law & Order, and several other motion pictures. He is also the Founder of the Heritage Concert Series, a music series committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive platform that honors Italian culture while embracing the universal language of music.

Friday, November 22. 2024 3:30pm
Nancy Greene Recital Hall

11/20/2024

A huge thank you to the incredible Darren K. Woods for leading a truly memorable and inspiring voice masterclass! His insights, expertise, and genuine enthusiasm not only deepened our understanding of vocal techniques and interpretation of music but also rekindled our passion for the art of voice. Go Frost MVP 🙌

11/19/2024

The Society of Composers, Inc. is presenting an evening of exciting new music written by students of the Society of Composers, Inc. Doctoral student Yingxi Liu will be featured in the concert. She will be singing Jueju (绝句), composed by Colin Martin.

Wednesday, November 20. 2024 7:30pm
Newman Recital Hall

11/18/2024

Sarah Yi-Chun Tsai will present a lecture recital titled Qigong and Bel Canto – An Empirical Exploration on Tuesday, accompanied by pianist Shuguang Gong. Offered in partial fulfillment of her doctoral degree in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy, this presentation will explore the intriguing intersections between the ancient practice of Qigong and the foundational principles of Bel Canto in classical singing.

Sarah has long been passionate about exploring mind-body practices from around the world, including Yoga, the Alexander Technique, Mindfulness, and Tai Chi. Qigong, one of China’s most ancient meditative practices, has been scientifically shown to offer benefits that include improved health, enhanced breath management, better vocal production, reduced anxiety and depression, and relief from muscle tension. While some music educators have highlighted Qigong’s potential for improving musicians’ breath control and musicality, its broader application in vocal performance remains underexplored.

Sarah’s recital will draw connections between Qigong and Bel Canto, the elegant and disciplined style that underpins much of classical vocal training. She will perform arias by Donizetti, Bellini, and Rossini (all Bel Canto composers), demonstrating five targeted Qigong exercises designed to enhance key principles in Bel Canto technique. This recital will offer practical tools, inspired by Qigong, that can support contemporary vocal pedagogy. It also extends her dissertation research on the immediate effects of Qigong practice on singing quality, vocal effort, and performance anxiety in undergraduate and graduate classical singers.

"There are so many parallels between the principles of Qigong and those foundational to Bel Canto singing. I look forward to sharing the beauty of this ancient Chinese practice alongside the artistry of classical singing." – Sarah Yi-Chun Tsai

Tuesday, November 19. 2024 5pm
Newman Recital Hall

11/18/2024

We are excited to host a masterclass presented by renowned opera professional Darren Keith Woods. Currently the General Director of the famed Seagle Festival, he has had an impressive career as a tenor, stage director, and arts administrator.

The Seagle Festival is a summer opera festival in Schroon Lake, New York, and has been in existence since 1915. With leadership roles in major US opera companies such as Fort Worth Opera and Shreveport Opera, Darren is recognized for his dedication to nurturing young talent. This masterclass offers students a rare opportunity to learn from one of opera’s most respected professionals and gain insights into both vocal performance and the broader opera industry.

Tuesday, November 19. 2024 6:30pm
Nancy Greene Recital hall

11/11/2024

Frost Opera Theater presents Eye on American Opera: 1900–2024

What is so special about American operas? American operas stand out for their unique blend of diverse musical styles and powerful storytelling that explore American themes of social justice, race, and the human experience, offering a fresh and innovative take on the operatic tradition. Come experience timeless excerpts from the classic American opera canon, as well as some of the most exciting works being composed today.

Program and music director: Alan Johnson
Stage director: Jeffrey Buchman

Wednesday, November 13. 2024 7:30pm
Thursday, November 14. 2024 7:30pm
Clarke Recital Hall

11/08/2024

Today, Emma Beers will be giving her Senior Recital accompanied by Vojtěch Trubač. She is a soprano pursuing a Vocal Performance Certificate under the guidance of Professor Jeanette Thompson. The recital will feature the music of Bach, Mozart, Éric Satie, John Jacob Niles, David Maddux & Paul McCusker, Victor Herbert, and more.

Friday, November 8. 2024 7:30pm
Newman Recital Hall

11/07/2024

Do you like musical theater? We don’t just sing opera, jazz, and art songs — we also perform musical theater! Come join us on Saturday evening and enjoy our musical ensemble presenting The Music of Rodgers and Hammerstein II, directed by Dr. Frank Ragsdale and choreographed by Christine Mazeppa.

Rodgers and Hammerstein were a prolific duo whose musicals redefined American theater. Known for Oklahoma!, The Sound of Music, and more. They integrated songs with storytelling, earning them timeless acclaim as well as multiple Tony and Academy Awards.

The program includes music from Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific, and many other beloved musicals.

Saturday, November 9. 2024 7:30pm
Gusman Recital Hall

11/04/2024

It is this Wednesday when the young stars, Freshmen and Sophomores, will present a beautiful evening of art song. The program will include Italian art songs, German lieder, and some contemporary English art songs. Come and brighten your day by enjoying these beautiful performances.

Wednesday, November 6. 2024 5pm
Newman Recital Hall

11/01/2024

Another voice recital by a doctoral student is approaching!
Yingxi Liu will be presenting her first doctoral recital on Saturday. She is a soprano studying voice performance and pedagogy under the guidance of Professor Lopez Neill. Her recital will feature works by Haydn, Donizetti, Bernstein, Schubert, Liszt, Lehár, Huang Zi, Liu Xue'an, and other Chinese composers.

Saturday, November 2. 2024 2pm
Newman Recital hall

10/31/2024

Please welcome Silvio Plata to our undergraduate series for student spotlights!

Silvio is a tenor and a junior majoring in vocal performance at the Frost School of Music under the guidance of Professor Sandra Lopez-Neill. He is also minoring in political science. Born in Managua, Nicaragua, Silvio grew up in Miami, FL. This past spring, he had the honor of being one of the top ten finalists of the Schmidt Vocal Arts National Undergraduate Competition.

His upcoming performances include the role of Man with Old Luggage in the opera Postcard from Morocco and Andrew Johnson in The Mother of Us All. In the spring semester, he will sing in a masterclass for Barry Banks and conclude the semester with his junior recital.

Silvio's favorite quote is: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).

10/30/2024

Do you want to experience spooky music for Halloween?
Come join Julia Woodring’s recital to experience haunted melodies!
Julia will be presenting her first doctoral voice recital on Thursday, featuring works by Schubert, Fauré, Duparc, Donizetti, and more.

Thursday, October 31. 2024 5pm
Newman Recital Hall

10/25/2024

Happy World Opera Day!

Happy World Opera Day to all the incredible Voice students at the Frost School of Music! 🎶 May today remind you of the joy, artistry, and dedication that make opera such a powerful art form. Keep inspiring, keep singing, and have a wonderful day celebrating this beautiful craft. Bravo to each of you! 🌟🎭

10/25/2024

Happy World Opera Day!

Frost Opera Theater is excited to highlight The Metropolitan Opera's premiere of Grounded by two-time Tony Award-winning composer Jeanine Tesori. Commissioned by the Met and based on librettist George Blane’s acclaimed play, Grounded highlights one of opera’s most compelling young stars, mezzo-soprano Emily D’Angelo in the lead role of Jess, a hot-shot fighter pilot. You can find more information on the Met Opera's website: https://www.metopera.org/season/2024-25-season/grounded/

10/25/2024

Happy World Opera Day!

On October 25 each year, we celebrate the magic of opera—a beautiful blend of music, drama, and storytelling that transcends time and culture. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or new to the art form, take a moment to appreciate the incredible voices, stunning productions, and rich history that make opera so special.

Share your favorite opera moments or recommend a performance that moved you. Let's keep the passion for this art alive!

This year, one of our favorite opera moments from Frost Opera Theater was our production of Kurt Weil's Street Scene. Feel free to watch the full production video here! https://www.youtube.com/live/cYXu_nsiysk?si

10/25/2024

In celebration of World Opera Day. The incomparable Maria Callas singing "Nel dì della vittoria...Vieni! T'affretta!...Or tutti sorgete" from Verdi's Macbeth from la Scala in 1952. You could always hear every emotion in Callas' voice. La Divina, may you live on forever in your glorious recordings!!!! (listen all the way to 7:50 if you want to hear the most spectacular fireworks.

00:00 Nel dì della vittoria...Vieni! T'affretta!...Or tutti sorgete08:02 La luce langue12:02 Una macchia e qui tuttora