ALUMNI TESTIMONIALS
“This summer at Opera in the Ozarks has been transformative. Performing Blonde and Amy has been amazing, but my favorite part was the amazing people I spent my summer with. I have never encountered such a genuinely kind and supportive group of individuals who continuously lifted each other up. Thank you to all of the faculty that continued to help each of us grow up until the day we left.” Kanisha Feliciano 2019
“So many memories with amazing and beautiful people. You all are my inspiration and will always have a place in my heart. I cherished being your Schaunard, Benoit, Alcindoro, and Professor Bhaer. I would like to say thank you to the Music staff for bringing the best out of the singers and their tireless efforts making the productions phenomenal. I can easily say that my voice has never been better and it is all thanks to them. Until the next time…” Jonathon Patton 2019
“I owe so much to everyone at OIO for investing in me and being such a large stepping stone in my musical journey. You do so many excellent things for young singers out there in the Ozarks. Thanks does not adequately express my gratitude.” Monica Music 2016,2017
“I owe so much to everyone at OIO for investing in me and being such a large stepping stone in my musical journey. You do so many excellent things for young singers out there in the Ozarks. Thanks does not adequately express my gratitude.” Vincent Grover 2018
“How do I describe the absolutely transformative experience that was Opera in the Ozarks? Suffice it to say, I have been forever changed by the artistry and friendships forged over these past two months. I will cherish these memories for the rest of my life. I found my tribe in the Ozark mountains. The pure joy of creating magic on stage with my new friends truly transcends explanation.” Genevieve Fulks 2017
“At Opera in the Ozarks, I was constantly amazed at how the singers were treated with professionalism and respect, and at the supportive and friendly environment in which we were encouraged to step outside our comfort zones and take our craft to the next level. As I look forward to upcoming auditions and my next steps in building my career, I have a newfound confidence in my abilities thanks to the incredible opportunities I had with Opera in the Ozarks!” Melanie Holm 2019
OPERA GUILD TESTIMONIALS
“I was lucky enough to interact with several members of the Eureka Springs Opera Guild over the course of the summer and it was nice to see their familiar faces in the audience during the performances. And in receiving a scholarship from the Guild, I felt even more connected to that support network. I hope that future recipients of scholarships will have the same experiences and feel the same level of support from the donors that I did.”
M.C.Class of 2022
“Between the scholarship that I received to attend OIO and the support that I was able to feel at each performance during the summer, I felt really encouraged to continue to pursue my dream of being an opera singer. My summers at OIO provided me with a solid foundation of what it was going to take to be an opera singer and I will be eternally grateful that I was able to have those experiences.”
E.N.Class of 2015-16
“Receiving a scholarship to attend OIO made it possible for me to gain a full summer of performing experience. From a professional and artistic perspective, my summer at OIO helped me to obtain and refine skills such as picking up on staging quickly, performance stamina (as we toured and sang almost every day,) and the chance to observe and work with singers who were above my level.”
W.RClass of 2018
“OIO was a very intensive program but it was instrumental in my development as an artist because it gave me ample stage time for each role I performed and allowed me to experiment as an actress and gain skills that couldn’t be learned in a classroom setting. As I was still in the middle of grad school, the scholarship I received from the Eureka Springs Opera Guild was extremely helpful so that the training I received at OIO wasn’t too much of a financial burden.”
A.L Class of 2017
“Receiving a scholarship for Opera in the Ozarks in 2021 allowed me to attend my first summer training program as an opera singer with significantly less financial worries. Something I particularly loved about my time at OIO was how involved the guild members were in the success of the program.”
C.H.Class of 2021
“I loved the opportunity to perform at Opera in the Ozarks and it would not have been possible without the guild scholarship. . . The skills I gained in OIO have proven to be useful in many different settings. One of my favorite times of day was the hour of lighting and set painting! This has proven to be very useful as I co direct the middle school musicals at my school.”
K.K.Class of 2017
Where would I be without my scholarship from OIO? I’m not sure, but I can’t imagine my life without having met so many beautiful and encouraging people. . . . Let’s keep the curtain raised for all talents, regardless of their economic backgrounds, and demonstrate the heart of Opera in the Ozarks. That way, instead of singing for their supper the future stars of tomorrow can focus on what they do best: preparing to hit those high notes and learning to die dramatically in your favorite opera.”
M.G.Class of 2014 and 2016
I’ve always been on my own in terms of paying for my education. Funding for a program like Opera in the Ozarks would not have been possible without the generous scholarship I received from the Eureka Springs Opera Guild. I would not have been able to have such an amazing experience without that scholarship. I would have missed out on a life changing summer in which I got to challenge myself, grow, and thrive as a performer and individual.”
A.RClass of 2016
