By Jamie Reimer Seaman
UNL Opera was happy to partner with Opera Omaha for two special events this season.
In September, African American baritone Kenneth Overton presented a two-hour master class to selected UNL graduate students and Opera Omaha young artists. Six singers performed for Mr. Overton with collaborative pianist Stacie Haneline, including UNL students Molly Wanless, Tanner Engeseth, and Binbin Ni. This event was made possible by generous funding from the Glenn Korff School of Music and Opera Omaha and marked the kickoff of the Robert Owens Centenary Festival at UNL.
Bass William Guanbo Su and Opera Omaha Head of Music, Josh Quinn, piano, gave a public recital at the Westbrook Performance Hall in February. William sang the title role of Hercules in the English Concert’s production of the Handel opera at Opera Omaha in March. This recital was one of two free performances – the second at Dundee Presbyterian Church in Omaha – leading up to the March 13 performance. The audience included UNL students, faculty, and members of the Lincoln community. Friends of Opera provided a lovely dessert reception following the performance. Several students attended the
March 13 performance of Hercules courtesy of Opera Omaha’s free student ticket program.
In April, music director Josh Quinn will be on campus to coach graduate students on their operatic repertoire. These events are the result of Opera Omaha’s efforts to reach audiences beyond the Omaha community. In spring 2025, Opera Omaha held chorus and comprimario auditions at the Glenn Korff School of Music. Three UNL students – Jiabo Gao, Tanner Engeseth, and Kirby Le – performed in Opera Omaha mainstage productions in Fall 2025.
Discussions are already underway for Opera Omaha guest artist visits to campus during the 2026-27 season. We look forward to a continuing and fruitful partnership between UNL Opera and Opera Omaha in the coming years.