Opera legend teaches master class for OSU students

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

The Oklahoma State University music department recently hosted one of the world’s most famous opera singers, Sherrill Milnes, who led the department’s first master class for voice majors and lectured on arts advocacy.

Richard Novak, assistant professor of music, said the class aimed to expose students to successful musicians who can inspire them.

“I hope we can establish this class as a tradition and bring in well-established musicians every year,” said Novak, assistant professor of voice.

The class took place at Willard Hall, where five students sang for Milnes and an audience.

“I felt honored to be selected to perform for one of the greatest opera singers of all time,” said Karalee Terry, music and voice performance senior. “It was great working with him.”

Following their performances, Milnes critiqued the students' stage appearance, language pronunciation and singing techniques.

“Milnes gave the students insightful tips from the opera business that I think will help them in the future,” Novak said.

Milnes worked for 33 years as a lead baritone at the Metropolitan Opera and has performed at the White House for every president since Gerald Ford.

“Every time singing for politicians in Washington is hard and easy,” Milnes said. “It’s hard because presidents sit on the throne of world power, and it’s easy because they are people, too, who have come just to enjoy the music.”

Milnes received degrees in music from Drake University and Northwestern University before making his stage debut in 1963 as Gerard in Umberto Giordano’s opera, “Andre Chenier.” However, his performance as Miller in Verdi’s “Luisa Miller” in 1968 brought him international fame.

“Throughout my career, I have played many characters, some good and others not so much, but I enjoyed all of them,” Milnes said. “I’m always excited to be on stage.”

Milnes, who has worked with opera stars such as Placido Domingo and Rosa Ponesell, began studying various classical musical styles in early childhood. In addition to performing on stage, he played the piano, tuba and violin. He is currently the John Evans Distinguished Professor of Music at Northwestern University.  

Milnes said he teaches his students to paint a picture for the audience, draw them into the performer’s stage aura, and let the people feel the character’s personality.

“If opera singers don’t tell a story for an audience, they are not doing their job,” Milnes said. “We must communicate with them.” 

Novak said OSU students improved their performance when they worked with Milnes for just one afternoon.

 “He helped the students to bring out the flavor of the music,” Novak said.