Crossroads and Challenges: Compass Points for Creation 2015 Greensboro, NC

The 2015 National Opera Association Convention was held in Greensboro, North Carolina from January 8-11. The theme was Crossroads and Challenges: Compass Points for Creation.

NOA President David Holley is Director of Opera at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, as well as the Artistic Director of Greensboro Opera, which provided us with one of the highlights of this exciting convention: a full production of La Fille du Régiment, featuring tenor René Barbera. Our sessions and competitions explored the regional strengths of NOA members and institutions.

View the full 2015 Convention program.

2015 Convention Highlights

Thursday, January 8

Willie Anthony Waters Master Class

Opening Luncheon and Keynote Address: Warren Jones

Stephanie Blythe Master Class

Collegiate Opera Scenes Competition

Friday, January 9

NOA Legacy Honoree Session: Louis Toppin

Darren Keith Woods/Amy Johnson/Kimm Julian Panel

NOA Poster Sessions

Dominick Argento Chamber Opera Composition Competition finals

Greensboro Opera’s La Fille du Régiment (ticket included in your registration!)

Saturday, January 10

Carolyn Bailey and Dominick Argento Vocal Competition

Warren Jones Master Class

16th Annual Legacy Gala Banquet and Awards:

Samuel Ramey Lifetime Achievement Award
Louise Toppin and Olive Moorefield Mach Legacy Award Winners

Keynote speaker and masterclass: Warren Jones The renowned collaborative pianist and vocal coach delivered the convention's keynote address at the opening luncheon, and presented a plenary masterclass session. www.warrenjones.com

Lifetime Achievement Award recipient: Samuel Ramey The distinguished bass-baritone received this award at the Saturday evening banquet. Mr. Ramey also adjudicated the finals of the NOA Vocal Competition. Samuel Ramey

"Face of NOA" and masterclass: Stephanie Blythe The 2014 "Face of NOA" and last year's Keynote Speaker, Stephanie Blythe, returned to NOA's convention in 2015 to present a masterclass. Ms. Blythe also adjudicated the finals of the NOA Vocal Competition. www.opus3artists.com/artists/stephanie-blythe

Plenary session masterclass: Willie Anthony Waters The international conductor and NOA 2014 "Lift Every Voice" Legacy Award Winner returned to the convention this year to present a session on aria preparation for singers and collaborative pianists from a conductor's perspective. www.pinnaclearts.com/artist.php?id=116

Greensboro Opera featuring René Barbera NOA attendees were also treated to a performance by Greensboro Opera of La fille du Régiment, featuring René Barbera. Listen to the aria with which he won Placido Domingo’s Operalia in 2011: www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFUDlkuXzCs

Past NOA Conferences