Mezzo-Soprano Victoria Vargas Appointed to School of Music Faculty
The University of Minnesota School of Music voice search committee is thrilled to announce the appointment of mezzo-soprano Victoria Vargas to the faculty as Assistant Professor of Voice.
Professor Vargas recently taught at Carleton College and MacPhail Center for Music. She has a special interest in cross training singers from a classical to contemporary commercial music style.
“She brings a wonderful mix of classical singing and teaching experience, expertise in vocal pedagogy, and comprehensive knowledge of musical theatre,” shares John De Haan, professor of voice and chair of the voice division, in speaking about his new colleague. "She is a wonderful person and who exudes a magnetic energy. My colleagues and I are very excited to welcome her to the University of Minnesota.”
This season, Professor Vargas is scheduled to perform in Eugene Onegin for Minnesota Opera, sing the mezzo solo for Beethoven’s ninth symphony (TBA), and perform several virtual recitals. She is currently programming a recital she says “consists of pieces that while may be categorized as classical also move into the crossover category (musical theater).”
Director of University Opera Theatre, Professor David Walsh, shares “Vargas brings youthful energy and insights, as well as an excellent balance between teaching and performance experience, to the position!”
Professor Vargas has placed seven times at the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions at both the district and regional levels. She also placed in the Schubert Club competition, and was a finalist in the Irene Dalis Vocal Competition for Opera San Jose. In 2018 she was chosen to be one of twelve participants in the National Association of Teachers of Singing Intern Program. Her opera credits include singing over twenty roles for the Minnesota Opera and performances with Opera Theater of Saint Louis, Chautauqua Opera, Sarasota Opera, Ash Lawn Highland Festival and others.
Equally comfortable in concert work, Professor Vargas has sung with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (NY), Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra (MN), Mankato Symphony, Chautauqua Symphony, St. Cloud Orchestra, the Western New York Chamber Orchestra, South Dakota Symphony, Phoenix Symphony, Wayzata Symphony, La Jolla Symphony and Minnesota Orchestra.
Professor Vargas holds a Masters of Music Degree from the Manhattan School of Music and a Bachelor of Music Degree from the State University of New York at Fredonia.
“Please join us in welcoming Professor Vargas to the School of Music and the University of Minnesota. Her breadth of musical artistry and pedagogical experience is exemplary, and brings the highest commitment to mentoring and teaching our students,” says Michael Kim, director of the School of Music.
The School of Music is also excited to announce the appointments of Stephanie Arado (Assistant Professor of Violin), Jennifer Gerth (clarinet), Sang Yoon Kim (clarinet), and Christine Soojin Kim (oboe). More information will be forthcoming on these exciting new hires shortly.
Tutti. (Italian) all. every musician to take part.
Tutti is the annual publication of the University of Minnesota School of Music.
