Meet the Opera Staff at USC Thornton School of Music

Get to know the opera staff at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music! These are the people who make sure that our productions are top-notch and run smoothly.

Introduction

USC Thornton School of Music’s opera program is one of the most thriving and respected programs in the country. The program has a long-standing commitment to developing well-rounded artists, and our faculty is dedicated to helping each student reach their full potential.

We are proud to have a staff of experienced professionals who are committed to providing a supportive and enriching environment for our students. In addition to our faculty, we have an administrative team, music directors, stage managers, and production staff who all play an important role in our program.

We invite you to meet the Opera Staff at USC Thornton School of Music.

The Opera Staff

The USC Thornton School of Music’s Opera staff is a group of highly talented and experienced professionals who are dedicated to helping students succeed. The staff includes opera singers, directors, conductors, and pianists. They offer a wealth of experience and knowledge to students who are passionate about opera.

Maria Cavallaro

Maria Cavallaro is the Director of Opera at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music. In this role, she oversees the school’s opera program, including directing and producing all operatic performances.

Cavallaro has directed operas for companies such as Los Angeles Opera, Long Beach Opera, Santa Fe Opera, and Seattle Opera. She has also served as a stage director for productions at the Royal Academy of Music in London and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow.

A native of Italy, Cavallaro earned her bachelor’s degree in vocal performance from the University of Milan. She went on to earn her master’s degree and doctorate in opera from the University of Southern California.

Craig Dorman

Craig Dorman has been teaching at the USC Thornton School of Music since 1999. He is currently the Director of Music Education, and his passion for music education shines through in his work with students of all ages. Craig’s students have gone on to perform in some of the world’s most prestigious opera houses, and he is proud to have helped them develop their skills and talents.

Craig Smidt

Craig Smidt is the Chair of Opera at the USC Thornton School of Music. A native of San Francisco, Craig Smidt has been involved in the field of opera for over twenty-five years as a performer, director, stage manager, and educator. He has worked with some of the most prestigious opera companies in the country, including San Francisco Opera, Los Angeles Opera, Santa Fe Opera, and Seattle Opera. Craig Smidt has also been a faculty member at San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where he taught courses in opera history and literature.

The USC Thornton School of Music

USC Thornton School of Music is one of the leading music schools in the world. With a faculty of over 130 music faculty, over 700 students and graduates, and a world-renowned opera program, the school offers a wealth of opportunities for students.

What is USC Thornton School of Music?

USC Thornton School of Music is one of the leading music schools in the United States. It offers a wide variety of degree programs in music, including Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees. The school also offers a minor in music.

The school has a strong commitment to opera, and its faculty includes several world-renowned opera singers and directors. The school offers a variety of opera performance opportunities for its students, including mainstage productions, student-produced operas, and studio recitals. USC Thornton also has an Opera Institute, which provides training for young professional singers wishing to pursue careers in opera.

What programs and degrees does USC Thornton School of Music offer?

USC Thornton School of Music offers programs and degrees in a variety of musical genres, including but not limited to:

-Classical
-Jazz
-Popular Music
-Recording Arts
-Film Scoring

USC Thornton School of Music offers a Bachelor of Music (BM), Master of Music (MM), Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA), and Artist Diploma.

Conclusion

We hope that you have enjoyed meeting the opera staff at USC Thornton School of Music. We are all very passionate about opera and committed to providing our students with the best possible education in this art form. We invite you to come see us perform in our next production!