Shepherd School of Music at Rice University Will Showcase Opera Scenes Master Class Featuring Tonya and Ryan McKinny

By Francisco Salazar

The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University will host an Opera Scenes Master Class featuring artists Tonya and Ryan McKinny.

The husband-and-wife duo will work with Shepherd School opera students on Feb. 8 in the Morrison Theater at Brockman Hall for Opera.

The masterclass will be a rare opportunity to witness the intersection of talent, technique, and theatrical storytelling and will be presented as part of the Aleko Endowed Master Class Artist Series.

This event will offer audiences a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process and the McKinnys will direct and deconstruct scenes from Wagner’s “Das Rheingold,” coaching students in real time as they refine their interpretations and technique.

In a statement, Joshua Winograde, the Shepherd School’s director of opera studies said, “The opportunity for our students to work with artists of this caliber is invaluable. Tonya and Ryan bring a wealth of experience as performers, directors and educators. And of course Ryan’s performing career has comprised heavy doses of Wagner’s operas. Their ability to connect with young artists and help them unlock deeper layers of storytelling, especially in this challenging repertoire, is truly inspiring.”

The evening’s program features the first and final scenes of “Das Rheingold,” the opening opera in Wagner’s “Ring” cycle.

The opening scene will feature students Lucila Zavala (Woglinde), Hanna Frampton (Wellgunde), Isabelle Kosempa (Flosshilde) and Matan Gendelman (Alberich). The fourth scene includes Joseph Park (Wotan), Julia Holoman (Fricka), Elizabeth Kirkconnell (Freia), Edmond Rodriguez (Loge), Colin Miller (Froh), Tzvi Bat Asherah (Donner), William Dopp (Fasolt) and Garrett Reider (Fafner). Bethany Self, principal coach of opera studies, and Alex Munger, lecturer in vocal coaching, will serve as pianists for the production.

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