UCSC Opera Program wins national award

March 19, 2007

The UCSC Opera Program has been honored with the National Opera Association's "Opera Production Award" for its production of Benjamin Britten's A Midsummer Night's Dream last year. Music lecturer and program director Brian Staufenbiel traveled to New York last month to represent the UCSC Music Department and accept the award at the opera association's 52nd Annual Convention.

"It was a great pleasure and honor to receive the award for the music department and the opera program," said Staufenbiel. "This is a very important step in the development of our opera program and in building national recognition for the high quality of productions we do here at UCSC."

The National Opera Association was founded in 1955 "to promote a greater appreciation of opera and music theatre, to enhance pedagogy and performing activities, and to increase performance opportunities by supporting projects that improve the scope and quality of opera." Members in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia participate in a wide array of activities in support of this goal. Its annual convention features performances, panels, workshops, and other educational opportunities for opera educators, professionals, and students.