About

welcome to friends of opera!

Welcome to Friends of Opera! Our organization exists to support the talented and dedicated young vocal artists at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Glenn Korff School of Music. UNL Opera has received national and international honors in recent years, in part because of the generosity of our members.

We are an all-volunteer organization, so our operating costs are minimal. Nearly 100% of every donation is used in some way to further our mission, which is: to support and enhance opera at UNL and to promote appreciation of opera, and attendance of opera performances, at UNL and throughout our state. We are a qualified 501(c)(3) public charity, so your donations are tax deductible.

    Your Friends of Opera donations provide:

    • Direct support to UNL Opera’s annual budget
    • Support for the Amahl and the Night Visitors project, which makes the popular Gian Carlo Menotti Christmas opera available to Lincoln’s most needy 5th graders
    • UNL scholarships for talented high school seniors who participate in the Friends of Opera Vocal Competition
    • Direct subsidies for special needs, such as guest artists, guest conductors and vocal coaches
    • Support for the Metropolitan Opera Nebraska District Auditions

    Board of directors

    Board Officers

    Daniel Ikpeama, President
    Jim Koudelka, Vice President
    Missy Noonan, Secretary
    Doug Ganz, Treasurer
    Kat Hubbell, Membership Chair

    Board Members

    John Brandstetter
    Sharla Sitzman Cerra
    Sam Colwell
    Dr. Anne Gray
    Dr. Suna Gunther
    Pam Hromadka-Ernst
    Megan Krittenbrink
    Missy Noonan
    Dr. William Shomos
    Rita Stinner
    Rylee Worstell

    Student Representatives

    Tanner Engeseth, Graduate
    Ella Young, Undergraduate

    Ex-Officio Members

    Barbara Kohler, NU Foundation
    Dr. Felix Olschofka, Director
    Glenn Korff School of Music