December 1, 2025

MSM Opera Theatre’s production of Dvořák’s Rusalka won first place in one of eight divisions of the 2024–2025 National Opera Association’s Opera Production Competition Awards, and its reimagining of Gilbert & Sullivan’s Princess Ida (aka Princess Ida: The Glow Up) tied for first place in another division.

The MSM Opera Theatre productions were part of dozens of entries in the 2025 National Opera Association‘s Opera Production Competition.

“We are so proud of the students and grateful to the creative and production teams and orchestra for their excellent work,” says MSM’s Dean of Vocal Arts and Collaborative Piano Carleen Graham.

“I’m thrilled that both MSM graduate and undergraduate opera theatre productions were recognized. It well represents some of the many high-quality opportunities in which our students participate each year,” she says.

First Place in Division VIII Graduate Division:
MSM Opera Theatre’s production of Rusalka

by Antonín Dvořák & Jaroslav Kvapil

The adjudicators comments about Rusalka, division VIII (Kelly Kuo, conductor; John de los Santos, stage director) include:

“The performances in this production from the singers and orchestra were first-rate. The concept proved very successful, even though one had to suspend disbelief at times given the difference between the text and what was depicted onstage. The visual effects contributed greatly to the effect of the setting. The result is a very professional, well-designed and presented production.”

“The set, lighting, and costumes were all very simple in the best way which supported the concept quite well. The projections were very well done and added interest without overpowering the live action.  The direction was very compelling as well.”

“The musical preparation was excellent and the orchestra played well. [The} Czech [language was] clear and lyrically sung. Choral singing and the Act III trio was quite good. Individual cast members were ideally suited to the significant vocal demands of their roles. Very strong emotional and physical investment by all lead performers. The supporting roles, including the attendants, were appropriately restrained (and restraining) in their control over the inmates.”

First Place (tie) in Division IV:
MSM Opera Theatre’s production of Princess Ida: The Glow Up

by Arthur Sullivan & W.S. Gilbert
Reimagined by Heather O’Donnovan

The division IV entry, Princess Ida: The Glow Up (Jackson McKinnon, conductor; Felicity Stiverson, stage director & choreographer, libretto reimagined by Heather O’Donnovan) tied for First Place.

Adjudicator comments included:

“What a fun production! Well done! Having the orchestra on stage, the the intimacy and proximity of the cast with the audience all worked really well, and enhanced the comedic moments. The audience was very much part of the story and the energy of the production, and they were quite engaged at all times. The simple set worked quite well keeping the focus on the large ensemble and fast-paced changes in the plot. The updated story, along with the variety of costumes from a variety of eras worked very well! It was a colorful production. The ensemble was quite good! The orchestra was also quite excellent and cohesive.  A wonderful production, well prepared and rehearsed. Well done!”

“Overall, the singing was excellent. The style is spot-on and the lines were delivered crisply. The orchestra sounds great and didn’t overwhelm the voices, even in this small space.”

ABOUT THE COMPETITION

The National Opera Association, founded in 1955, promotes excellence in opera education and pedagogy through its support of a diverse community of opera educators and professionals.

The divisions in the competition were determined by undergraduate and graduate level, as well as by size of budget. Each production was adjudicated blindly with the judges unaware of the name of the institution or of the creative teams.