Loyola Opera Theatre

History of the Loyola Opera Program

The University’s Opera Workshop was established in 1954 by baritone Arthur Cosenza, who headed the program until 1984. Cosenza subsequently became the Resident Stage Director and eventually General Director of the New Orleans Opera Association (NOOA) until his retirement in 1996. The Loyola opera department has since maintained a strong connection with the professional company. David Morelock, who directed over 50 productions for NOOA, brought strong leadership to Loyola Opera Theatre from 1994 to 2009.

About the Director

Carol Rausch, who became director of Loyola Opera Theatre after Morelock’s retirement, is also currently the Chorus Master/Music Administrator for the New Orleans Opera Assocation.

Partnership with the New Orleans Opera Association

Many Loyola vocal majors are hired as choristers for New Orleans Opera Assocation productions, and are also cast in comprimario roles or cover main stage artists. Student vocalists also help create visibility for the art form at the company’s popular casual concert series, “Opera on Tap.” During both the Fall and Spring Semesters NOOA principal artists offer master classes for all Loyola singers.

Productions

Recent Loyola Opera productions have included:

2019: Cendrillon
2018: Dialogues of the Carmelites
2017: Street Scene
2016: Roméo et Juliette
Suor Angelica/Gianni Schicchi
Candide
The Grand Duchess of Gerolstein
Les Mamelles de Tirésias
Susannah
L’Enfant et les sortilèges
The Pirates of Penzance
Dido and Aeneas
Orpheus in the Underworld.

Each year, in addition to the annual fully staged Loyola production with orchestra, opera students present a piano-accompanied scenes program, as well as frequent chamber operas.

Dramatic Voice Symposium

In fall 2017 Loyola launched the first annual Dramatic Voice Symposium, with master classes and a final performance by Melanie Helton, Brenda Harris, Tyler Smith, Greer Grimsley, and Luretta Bybee with pianists Keith Chambers and Carol Rausch.

Learn more about the Loyola Dramatic Voice Symposium >>

Alumni