WT Opera Director, Students to Perform and Study at Manhattan Opera Studio

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, cchandler@wtamu.edu

CANYON, Texas — West Texas A&M University Opera is heading to the Big Apple.

The program’s director, Sarah Beckham-Turner, will helm Manhattan Opera Studio’s production of “The Magic Flute,” and four recent graduates and one returning student will make their New York City debuts as part of MOS’s Summer Festival.

The intensive runs June 19 to July 19. The five WT students are among 23 young performers from around the world who auditioned for and were accepted into the program.

While in New York, the students also will sing arias in a July 5 concert at Carnegie Hall and in a July 18 concert at the National Opera Center. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Magic Flute” will be staged July 15 and 16, also in the National Opera Center.

“This says that WT Opera is doing its part in preparing students for the real world, which is my whole goal,” said Beckham-Turner, an assistant professor of voice and opera in WT’s Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities.

Participating students include Taylor Lindley, a graduate student in vocal performance from Pampa; and May 2023 graduates Francesco DiLello from Highland Mills, New York, who earned a master’s in vocal performance; R.J. Flud from Midland, who earned a bachelor’s in musical theatre; Chloe Ridolfo from Los Angeles, who earned a master’s in vocal performance; and Zachary Todd from Flower Mound, who earned a bachelor’s in musical theatre.

“This is a really exciting opportunity,” Todd said. “When I came to WT, I had no singing experience. To think that, a month after graduating, I’ll be working with opera professionals in Manhattan feels like I’ve found a cheat code or something.”

Beckham-Turner was hired on the strength of her WT production of “The Magic Flute” in 2022.

“Keith Chambers, who conducted our production and other recent operas for us and is MOS’s principal guest conductor, sent them a video of our ‘Magic Flute,’ and they loved it,” Beckham-Turner said. “I had heard Keith talk about this program, so I know that it brings in some top coaches, conductors and agents. This will offer our students many opportunities to make some valuable connections.”

MOS coordinator Nina Kakantousis said the organization feels privileged to have Beckham-Turner join the team.

“Sarah brings with her a unique blend of passion, creativity and a commitment to excellence that we believe will be transformative for our young artists,” Kakantousis said. “Her track record of success in nurturing and guiding young voices to their full potential is truly inspiring. We look forward to sharing her extensive knowledge and profound dedication with the new generation of singers here.”

MOS is the first intensive opera studio young artist program in New York City. Led by Music Director Benoit Renard, MOS includes a faculty of some of the most renowned opera professionals in the country. Many MOS alumni have transitioned to professional careers, performing on the stages of the world’s most prestigious opera houses.

Beckham-Turner, an Amarillo native and soprano, has earned praise from the New York Times, Opera News, Wall Street Journal, and The Observer for her performances. Recently, Beckham-Turner sang in the world premiere of “Letters That You Will Not Get” with the American Opera Projects in New York City and as Hänsel in Amarillo Opera’s production of “Hänsel und Gretel.” She also tours with the Opera Cowgirls.

As a director, she has directed and produced productions such as “The Magic Flute,” “Postcard from Morocco” and “Our Town.”

A portion of funding to pay for the students’ studies was provided by the Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities and its School of Music and Department of Art, Theatre and Dance.

Fostering an appreciation of the arts and preparing students to value hard work are key components of the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic, $125 million One West comprehensive fundraising campaign. To date, the campaign — which publicly launched in September 2021— has raised more than $125 million and will continue through 2025.

Photo: Sarah Beckham-Turner, right, and recent graduate Chloe Ridolfo pick out props and costumes for possible use with Manhattan Opera Studio's upcoming staging of "The Magic Flute." Beckham-Turner, director of WT Opera, will direct the MOS production, and five of her current and former students will attend the workshop and perform in it. 

About West Texas A&M University

WT is located in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of about 10,000 and offers 59 undergraduate degree programs and more than 40 graduate degrees, including two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 14 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

—WT—