A&M-Commerce Opera Production of “Serse” Wins National Competition

The A&M-Commerce Opera production of George F. Handel's “Serse” has been recognized by the National Opera Association's Opera Production Competition.  A&M-Commerce was one of only three universities in Texas to receive the honor in 2018.

“This is a very prestigious award and a wonderful honor for all involved,” said Jennifer Glidden, assistant professor of music, voice and opera.  “It takes a village to put on an opera production and I am so grateful to have such wonderful and dedicated students and colleagues.”

Entries in the Opera Production Competition are judged on musicianship, quality of singing, diction, dramatic credibility and characterization, production concept, staging and execution, and quality of the production.

David Estrada, who graduated in May with a bachelor's in music education, played the lead role of Serse.  He reflected that it was his most challenging collegiate role.  “Playing that role encouraged me to pursue a career in opera performance,” he said.

When Estrada heard about the NOA award, he felt honored.  “It took a lot of hard work and dedication to put on the production.  I saw a lot of passion in my fellow cast members.  The award is well deserved.”

The competition helps NOA further its mission by encouraging and rewarding creative, high quality opera productions at academic institutions, music conservatories, summer opera training programs and opera outreach programs. Winners will be honored at the NOA Annual National Conference in January 2019.

“A&M Commerce Opera is so excited to be recognized by the National Opera Association,” Glidden said.

NOA promotes excellence in opera education and pedagogy through its support of a diverse community of opera educators and professionals.