posted November 9, 2009.
“Ms. Horne’s masterclasses here at OU are always well attended,” says Tyrone Chambers, an alumni of the OU School of Music. “Not only by music students, but by their friends, other OU faculty members who are friends with Ms. Horne, the members of the OU Musical Theatre and Opera Guild are always there and others. It is usually a packed house.”
The University of Oklahoma School of Music welcomes back legendary opera mezzo soprano, Marilyn Horne, widely considered to be one of opera’s greatest singers. Horne will serve as a visiting faculty member within the OU School of Music, holding private lessons and masterclasses for OU’s voice students on Nov. 16-20. The masterclasses scheduled for 7 p.m. on both Tuesday, Nov. 17 and Friday, Nov. 20, in Pitman Recital Hall are free and open to the public, granting opera fans and music lovers a rare opportunity to see the outstanding singer up close, working with students in a small, intimate environment.
“I would suggest bringing paper and a pencil. Ms. Horne is always throwing out names and performances that anyone can find on YouTube or somewhere online. If anyone is interested in opera, it is a good idea to watch and listen to other singers perform,” says Chambers.
President David Boren asked Horne to become a visiting faculty member after her visit to OU to inaugurate the Paul F. Sharp Concert Hall during the dedication of the second phase of the University’s Catlett Music Center. He realized the impact someone of her stature could have on OU’s voice and opera students. Horne first began working with OU students in 1998.
“I have known and worked with Ms. Horne at the University of Oklahoma for quite a few years. She is such an asset to our education here,” says Célia Zambon, soprano, doctorial student in voice at OU School of Music. “She visits once a semester for a week to give us private lessons and masterclasses.”
“Ms. Horne cares a lot for her students, and I know I can always call her on the phone or send her an email if I need anything; she’s happy to help. She is a wonderful lady, who is on a mission to share her wealth of knowledge and experience with the next generation of classical musicians. Her coming to OU is a great gift and privilege,” says Zambon.
These masterclasses are free and open to the public and located in Pitman Recital Hall inside the Catlett Music Center at 500 W. Boyd Street, in the OU Arts District. Due to the intimate setting for the class, seating is limited.
For more information about Horne’s upcoming visit to OU, the masterclass, or for accommodations on the basis of disability, please contact the OU School of Music at (405) 325-2081. Please visit http://music.ou.edu/calendar.html for a full calendar of events and performances at the OU School of Music.