By Suna Gunther
Bill Shomos’s mission to bring a love of opera to generations across Nebraska inspired me well before I came to Lincoln. As I was researching the Glenn Korff School of Music, I remember coming across a video of his outdoor production of Cunning Little Vixen and being bowled over by the talent, artistry, and innovation of that performance. When I got here and I saw how thoughtfully Bill cultivated meaningful relationships with his colleagues, insisted on excellence from his students, and continuously found new ways to share his art with unexpected audiences, I knew how important that leadership was to
the heart of our school.
I’ve clearly got big shoes to fill this year as Interim Director of Opera at UNL! I’m honored and incredibly excited to swap those shoes for glass slippers this Fall, as we offer a double bill of two unsung heroes of the opera world: Pauline Viardot’s Cinderella (Cendrillon) and Lori Laitman’s Maya and the Magic Ring. Both women offer characters that are at once beautifully profound and hilarious, and who will appeal to theatre lovers of all ages. Get ready for a fresh take on the familiar Cinderella story, singing Unicorns and Cats worried about their social media presence, and a lot of playful imagination.
Bringing these stories to life is director Kaley Karis Smith, who you will read about in her interview with Friends of Opera Undergraduate Representative Zayna Corey. As a UNL Opera alum who has found a name for herself across the country, Kaley brings a wealth of experience and ideas to our current students. I’m thrilled for them to learn from her. I’m equally excited to invite the composer of Maya, Lori Laitman, to campus September 29th -October 2nd. While in residency, Lori will work with the cast of her opera, coach students who are working on her art songs in voice lessons, and give feedback to a
student composer who is preparing to produce his first opera through a UCARE grant. This is a fantastic opportunity for us all to work with one of the giants of modern opera, described by Fanfare Magazine as “one of the most talented and intriguing of living composers.”
Watching LPS fifth graders experience their first taste of opera through Amahl and the Night Visitors has been one of my most gratifying experiences in past years, and I am very much looking forward to being a part of that outreach this year. Spearheaded by my colleague Amy Guevara, we will continue this important tradition that is now in its third decade. We will also continue our collaboration with the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film in a joint production of Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods this Spring.
All together, the 2026-27 UNL Opera Season is brought together by wishes: to a fairy godmother, a magical genie, a star, and to the myriad of questionable saviors in Grimm’s fairy tales. As I take on this new role, I wish for a lot of things. I wish for the wisdom to learn from those around me. I wish for the continued generosity of the beautiful artists and supporters who comprise our community. I wish for three more hours in every day. But most of all, I wish to give as much heart as I’ve felt from my seat in the audience these past five years. Thank you all for being a part of this next step in UNL Opera.