Big Blue alumnus Phillip Lopez '16 is making the most of his music opportunities since graduating from Millikin University. The bass-baritone vocalist prides himself on preparing for the next step, and that preparation recently earned him a spot in the Opera Theatre of St. Louis' Gerdine Young Artist Program.
The Gerdine Young Artist Program is an apprentice level program that offers professional experience under the guidance of some of the most creative and talented directors, conductors and choreographers active in today's opera world. In addition to basic choral responsibilities in the season repertoire, Gerdine Young Artists also perform supporting and small roles as well as cover leading and featured roles in mainstage productions.
Additionally, Gerdine Young Artists receive enhanced musical preparation through intensive coaching and challenging master classes.
In reference to his audition process, Lopez said, "My most valuable audition experiences were from the times when I failed and wanted to give up singing professionally afterwards. I would say that the most important part of auditioning is preparation. You hear a lot of people say that you should be 110 percent prepared for an audition, and while it's a cliché, it holds quite a bit of truth."
Lopez is a graduate of Millikin's Opera Theatre program and his credits include soloist in Bach's "Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen (BWV 12)," Simone in "Gianni Schicchi," Polyphemus in "Acis and Galatea" and Morton DeValue in "The Magic Pinafore." Lopez was also a member of the Millikin University Choir where he was Bass-Baritone section leader.
"What keeps people interested in your singing is the attention to performance details: your dramatic narrative, the way you express something unique, your choice of gestures or, your musical phrasing in an aria or an art song," Lopez said.
Professor Terry Stone, current faculty member of the Millikin Opera Theatre program and Lopez's voice teacher, says, "Earning this opportunity is an outstanding achievement for Phillip. Both Opera Theatre of St. Louis and their Gerdine Young Artist Program are highly regarded in the opera world. It is truly a gateway opportunity for him into the world of professional singing. Phillip's work at Millikin University was outstanding and it is gratifying to see his success continue with this impressive accomplishment."
Lopez is a 2014 Pi Kappa Lambda Music Honors Society Outstanding Sophomore Award winner and was a Hollis Prize finalist while at Millikin.
In addition to joining the Gerdine Young Artist Program, Lopez will join the St. Louis Symphony Chorus for their upcoming season.
"A good voice may produce a good performance, but a good voice committed to strong storytelling is a memorable performance," Lopez said.