The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University will host an immersive Opera Scenes Master Class featuring artists Tonya and Ryan McKinny. As the 2024-25 Aleko Endowed Artists, the husband-and-wife duo will work with Shepherd School opera students Feb. 8 beginning at 5 p.m. in the Morrison Theater at Brockman Hall for Opera. For opera enthusiasts, music students and newcomers alike, this is a rare opportunity to witness the intersection of talent, technique and theatrical storytelling.
The master class is presented as part of the Aleko Endowed Master Class Artist Series, which brings leading artists to campus to mentor the next generation of musicians. This year’s residency stretches from Feb. 3-7 as students will participate in five days of private coaching sessions with the McKinnys, culminating in the master class.
Unlike a traditional performance, this master class offers audiences a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process. The McKinnys will direct and deconstruct scenes from Wagner’s “Das Rheingold,” coaching students in real time as they refine their interpretations and technique. The experience promises to be both educational and entertaining, shedding light on the artistry behind opera’s dramatic storytelling.
“The opportunity for our students to work with artists of this caliber is invaluable,” said Joshua Winograde, the Shepherd School’s director of opera studies. “Tonya and Ryan bring a wealth of experience as performers, directors and educators. And of course Ryan’s performing career has comprised heavy doses of Wagner’s operas. Their ability to connect with young artists and help them unlock deeper layers of storytelling, especially in this challenging repertoire, is truly inspiring.”
The evening’s program features the first and final scenes of “Das Rheingold,” the opening opera in Wagner’s “Ring” cycle. Audiences will hear selections performed with piano by a cast of Shepherd School singers, including undergraduate, master’s and artist diploma students.
The opening scene features students Lucila Zavala (Woglinde), Hanna Frampton (Wellgunde), Isabelle Kosempa (Flosshilde) and Matan Gendelman (Alberich). The climactic fourth scene includes Joseph Park (Wotan), Julia Holoman (Fricka), Elizabeth Kirkconnell (Freia), Edmond Rodriguez (Loge), Colin Miller (Froh), Tzvi Bat Asherah (Donner), William Dopp (Fasolt) and Garrett Reider (Fafner). Bethany Self, principal coach of opera studies, and Alex Munger, lecturer in vocal coaching, will serve as pianists for the production.
The Aleko Endowed Artists will also host “Ryan McKinny & Friends in Recital” March 7. Featuring Ryan McKinny alongside Shepherd School opera students, this semistaged evening of opera highlights directed by Tonya McKinny offers another chance to experience world-class artistry. Admission is free, but tickets are required.
Known for their boundary-pushing work in opera and theater, the McKinnys bring distinct perspectives to their mentorship. Tonya, a director and actress with international training, has led productions at the Glimmerglass Festival and Houston Grand Opera. Ryan, hailed by Opera News as “one of the finest singers of his generation,” is celebrated for his transformative portrayals on stage and his work as a director and advocate for the arts. Together, they are dedicated to making opera more accessible and impactful for modern audiences.
“In opera, every moment on stage is a chance to communicate something deeply human and special,” Winograde said. “This master class will allow audiences to see how the magic of theater is made in real time, making for an engaging and thought-provoking evening.”
Tickets for the Feb. 8 master class are pay-what-you-wish starting at free, ensuring accessibility to all who wish to attend.