Under the direction of Sarah Beckham-Turner, the Opera program at WT is growing quickly. WT Opera performs two fully staged productions annually, one with a full orchestra. In addition to our staged productions, we perform community outreach productions and concerts, host an annual Opera Gala, and are the proud hosts of the Annual Eric Barry Vocal Competition.
Our goal is to provide students with real-world training to prepare them for careers in the performing arts, and for our students who plan to be educators, involvement in opera will better prepare them for organizing programs with students and guide those who have interests in performing careers. We continue to bring in working professionals from the opera world to act as mentors to the students.
Our 2023-24 Season begins with a concert with Opera Cowgirls on September 28. This fun concert is part of the WTAMU Arts Subscription Series. Taking place in Legacy Hall, cocktails and food begin and 6:00 PM with entertainment beginning at 7:00 PM.
In late November to early December, we will present Amahl and the Night Visitors, a Christmas favorite. This production will be directed by Dr. Robert Hansen and conducted by guest artist Dr. Kristin Ditlow.
In January 2024 we will team up with Amarillo Opera to produce The Bremen Town Musicians. This opera for children will be presented at Amarillo College Concert Hall for students all over the Texas Panhandle. This production will be directed by Sarah Beckham-Turner and music directed by Issac Vargas. This show will run January 8-12.
January 27, 2024 Our second annual Opera Gala “Out of this World” will take place in Legacy Hall. Join us for cocktail hour, a full gourmet dinner, world-class entertainment, an auction, and a wine pull.
March 2024 we are proud to host the first annual Eric Barry Vocal Competition. This competition is open to all WT students. The winners will receive scholarship funding.
April 25-28, Così fan tutte, a fan-favorite Mozart opera, will be presented in Mary Moody Northen Hall. This production is directed by Sarah Beckham-Turner. Set design by Ray Newburg.
Sarah Beckham-Turner
sbeckham-turner@wtamu.edu
If you would like to volunteer, please email operafriends@wtamu.edu
Production Sponsors: James and Deb Beckham
Supporters: Jeff and René Brain, Gail Bram, Adair and Dale Buckner, Dr. Sean Milligan, David Palmer and Michelle Sibley, Patrick and Roni Swindell, WTAMU Foundation, GC Wealth Management, Sprouse Shrader Smith PLLC, Trip Spots, Window on a Wider World
Friends: Lesly and Mac Annen, Panhandle Presort, Sandra Pelfrey
Email : operafriends@wtamu.edu