School of Music NEWS Release

SCHOOL OF MUSIC WINS NATIONAL OPERA AWARD FOR "THE CONSUL"

GREENSBORO – For the fourth time, an opera produced by the School of Music at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro has taken home another first place award given by the National Opera Association.

The school's production of Gian Carlo Menotti's "The Consul" placed first against other well-known opera programs nationwide and in Canada, said David Holley, associate professor and director of opera at UNCG. Holley will accept the award on behalf of the School of Music during the National Opera Association's national convention in New York later this month. Videotape of the production will also be shown.

The award is UNCG School of Music's fourth first place award since 1992 and its sixth award overall.
The school competed against well-known opera programs including the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Arizona State University, the University of Michigan as well as others. The school has taken home two-second place awards previously. The judging is based on set design, costumes, stage direction, musical values and acting.

Holley directed and produced "The Consul" and Robert Gutter, a professor of music at UNCG, served as musical director and conductor. Others involved with the production were R. Keith Pugh as set designer; Deborah Bell, costume designer; Erin Doll, lighting designer; and Mark Howieson, technical director.

The spring 2000 production of "The Consul" was presented March 30, 31 and April 2. The production, described as a dark and moving tragedy of love and despair, unfolded in two locations: a dreary apartment and a waiting area of the consulate of an unidentified European city. Interestingly enough, the title character is never seen; only his secretary appears and he is merely a reference.

The opera competition is judged by well-known opera professionals who view universities' videotaped submissions. Judges have no knowledge of which school's videotaped production they are viewing, Holley said.

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