George Shirley, Joseph Edgar Maddy Distinguished University emeritus professor of voice, was named one of the Opera Hall of Fame’s 10 inaugural inductees. The Opera Hall of Fame recognizes the achievements of outstanding living American artists, administrators, and advocates who have strengthened the art form and the field. It was established in 2020 on the…

Monica (MM ’10 voice) and Eiki (DMA ’12 orchestral conducting, BMA ’04 music theory) Isomura met at SMTD.  They live in Houston where Eiki is the artistic director of Opera in the Heights and Monica has a successful private voice studio. Read more

Voice professor Stephen Lusmann was awarded the SMTD 2020 Harold Haugh Award for Excellence in Studio Teaching. “I am enormously honored to be recognized by my colleagues for the 2020 Harold Haugh Award,” said Lusmann. Studio teaching, particularly with students that have a desire to go on to professional performing careers is my passion.” Founded…

Kirk Severtson, professor of voice, was named the 2019–20 recipient of The American Prize in Conducting for the College/University Opera Division for the world premiere production of Mayo by Tom Cipullo. The production was also named the 2019–20 recipient of The American Prize in Opera Performance, college/university division. Founded in 2009, the American Prize recognizes…

Erik Santos, professor of composition and performing arts technology, was named the winner of the 2020 American Bandmasters Association Sousa-ABA-Ostwald Award for his composition The Seer. Commissioned and conducted by Professor Michael Haithcock for the Symphony Band and tenor soloist Professor Scott Piper, the work received its world premiere at Hill Auditorium on March 15,…