Loyola Opera welcomes new director and stages production by Ravel

April 16, 2010

The Loyola University New Orleans College of Music and Media recently announced Carol Rausch as the new director of Loyola Opera Theatre. Rausch, who has been with the CMM since 1996 serving as a vocal coach, accompanist and Loyola Opera Theatre music director, succeeds David Morelock who retired from the position last year after 13 years of service.

As her first official production as director, Rausch and stage director Jay Jackson will lead the cast and live orchestra in a single production of “L’Enfant et les Sortilèges,” by Maurice Ravel, on Monday, April 26, at 7:30 p.m. in Dixon Court, located in front of the Communications/Music Complex. It is a free public performance.

“L’Enfant et les Sortilèges,” or “The Child and the Spells,” is the story of a misbehaved child who is reprimanded by the objects in his room which he has been abusing. Ignoring his mother's scolding, the child throws a tantrum breaking things in his room. He is taken by surprise when the objects affected by his tirade suddenly come to life and begin to talk and terrorizing him. See what happens as the child attempts to mend the relationships with the creatures he has badly bruised.

In addition to her work at Loyola, Rausch is the chorus master, music coordinator and education director for the New Orleans Opera Association. Each summer, she also serves as chorus master and music administrator for the Chautauqua Opera's summer festival where she heads the music staff and oversees the nationally recognized apprentice program. Rausch has previously worked for the Virginia Opera, Greater Miami Opera, Ohio Light Opera and Opera/Columbus.

Rausch's education includes a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and a master’s degree from Ohio State University, plus a year of study at the Conservatoire Royal de Musique in Brussels, Belgium, as a Rotary Foundation Graduate Fellow. She has teaching experience at Ohio State University and Kenyon College. Rausch has performed as a member of the Metamorphosis Chamber Ensemble and Pro Musica Chamber Orchestra, and has remained active as a vocal coach and recital accompanist.

For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Sean Snyder in Loyola’s Office of Public Affairs at

smsnyder@loyno.edu

or call 504-861-5882.