University Opera Theatre

Four opera students sing on stage.
University Opera Theatre students perform a scene from Carmen
A student performer is putting makeup on another performer.
A scene from Il Trovatore is being performed by a solo opera singer.
A scene from the opera Carmen is being performed by University Opera Theatre students.
David Walsh with a student.
An opera scene is performed.
Three performers, two singers and a pianist, perform an opera.
A scene from Carmen.
University Opera Theatre Presents 
W.A. Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro
April 10 - 12, 7:30 PM 
April 13, 1:30 PM
Ted Mann Concert Hall 
 Tickets Available Now 

‘I ran away to the opera - and never looked back!’

David Walsh

The University of Minnesota opera program has been in the hands of artistic director David Walsh since 2002. Following a significant international career as a stage director of opera, he turned his attention to the professional training and development of young opera singers through two major ensembles at the UMN School of Music. 

University Opera Theatre

Director: Professor David Walsh 
Audition required. 

Opera Theatre is an auditioned ensemble open to students of the School of Music and from across the University with significant training and experience in classical vocal performance - comprising opera, operetta, and musical theatre. Opera Theatre presents an intensive program of classical and contemporary repertoire through two fully-staged productions with orchestra each year, in collaboration with University Symphony Orchestra, as well as other professional ensembles and presented in the School of Music’s gorgeous Ted Mann Concert Hall. 

Ted Mann Concert Hall Stage

Course Number

MUS 5280-001(Registration takes place following a successful audition)

Meeting Times

Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 2:30 – 5:30
Saturday: 10:30 – 5:30
NB. The operas are double-cast and each student attends a maximum of 9 hours per wk.

Opera Workshop

Audition required. 
Opera Workshop is an auditioned ensemble open to students of the School of Music and from across the University. Although it is an auditioned ensemble and requires some level of vocal training, it welcomes students who are not specifically focused on a professional career in music but have a strong affinity for opera and/or musical theatre and would like to participate in the ensemble. This class functions as a training program for the lyric stage. Students engage in exercises and improvisations which then culminate in staged scenes from opera, operetta, and musical theatre which are presented in workshop format (rehearsal props and costumes from our stock) in Room 99, our wonderful rehearsal space, at the end of each semester.

Ferguson Hall Room 99

Course Number 

MUS 5250-001/002 (Registration takes place following a successful audition and in consultation with the Director of Opera)

Meeting Times

Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:30 – 6:30 PM
NB. There will be some Monday evening rehearsals, as necessary