Brigham Young University’s School of Music will present a master class with acclaimed operatic baritone Sherrill Milnes Tuesday, Sept. 23, at 7:30 p.m. in the Madsen Recital Hall, Harris Fine Arts Center.
Admission is free and all are welcome to attend.
Milnes will invite students to the stage to perform and other students will critique the performances. He will also talk about his unique career with the Metropolitan Opera.
Funded by the Nancy Peery Marriott Visiting Artist endowment, this master class will provide a vocal technique learning experience for BYU students.
Born on a farm in Downers Grove, Illinois, Milnes developed musical talents singing to the cows and practicing his operatic laugh on the tractor.
Milnes studied music education at Drake University and Northwestern University, with the idea of becoming a teacher. However, after an apprenticeship at the Santa Fe Opera, he dedicated himself to becoming an opera singer, studying briefly with soprano Rosa Ponselle.
He began his career with the Boston Opera Company in 1960, joining Boris Goldovsky's Opera Theater and debuting as Masetto in “Don Giovanni.” In 1961, he made his debut at Ponselle's Baltimore Opera as Gérard in “André Chénier.” In 1964, Milnes made his first major breakthrough singing the role of Valentin in Gounod's “Faust” at the New York City Opera, the role with which he also made his Metropolitan Opera debut in 1965.
Since 2001, Milnes has been bringing his experience and expertise to young operatic talent through his workshop program V.O.I.C.E. (Vocal and Operatic Intensive Creative Experience).
The workshops allow educators and performers to share their knowledge through master classes, private coaching, presentations, one-on-one consultations, lectures and performances.
He is a member of the voice faculty at Northwestern University.
For more information, contact Ken Crossley at (801) 422-9348.
Writer: Angela Fischer
