Music major Donovan Jones spent his summer performing professional opera with Opera in the Ozarks at Inspiration Point, Eureka Springs, Ark.
Jones, a sophomore vocal performance major, said his career goal is to be a professional opera singer, and this was the first step toward that goal. Opera in the Ozarks, in its 63rd season, is an eight-week training program for young artists and is affiliated with the National Federation of Music Clubs. Jones auditioned last December in Lawrence, Kan., one of several audition sites across the country.
Jones said he was excited and surprised when he found out he was chosen for the program and was looking forward to the great learning opportunity.
The summer 2013 lineup included Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly,” Donizetti’s “L’Elisir d’Amore” (Elixir of Love) and Gilbert & Sullivan’s “The Pirates of Penzance.”
As a freshman, Jones placed first in a four-state vocal competition and he recently earned third place in the National Association Teachers of Singing competition in the lower (freshman and sophomore) university men’s division. Dr. Susan Carter, associate professor of music, is his voice instructor.
This fall, Jones will be cast in the University’s production of the opera, “The Magic Flute.”
“I love music. I understand it in a way most people don’t,” he said. “And I am so comfortable when I am performing.”