UM opera and symphony orchestra recognized for “The Gondoliers” production

Missoula Current

The University of Montana Opera and UM Symphony Orchestra received high honors from the National Opera Association for their recent production of “The Gondoliers.”

The production will receive a third place prize at the Opera Production Competition's nation convention in California in January. Programs of similar size competed nationally with shows produced during the 2015-16 season.

UM Professor Anne Basinski, who directs the UM Opera Theater and served as a stage director for the production, said the competition was a good opportunity to see how the performers measured up against its national peers.

“We had a ball working on this delightful show – our first venture into the wonderful works of Gilbert and Sullivan,” said Basinski. “We knew we had something special and that our audiences had a great time, but it's gratifying to have such affirmation from this distinguished organization.”

In addition to Basinski, “The Gondoliers” creative team included UM faculty members David Cody, who served as conductor and music director, and Luis Millan, director of the UM Symphony Orchestra. It also included UM graduate student Roxann Jackson as choreographer.

The UM Opera Theater received first prize in 2006 and 2014 and has won national prizes for operatic scene work.