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How to become an opera star: Include Aspen in your academic plans

Patrick Summers, left, Renée Fleming and Chris Mohr stand outside Aspen Public Radio last July.
Chris Mohr
/
Aspen Public Radio
Patrick Summers, left, Renée Fleming and Chris Mohr stand outside Aspen Public Radio last July.

Opera has been part of the Aspen Music Festival and School from the beginning, more than 70 years ago.

Countless operas have been presented in Aspen for public consumption, but a full training curriculum preparing young artists for future careers is another thing.

The Aspen Opera Theater and Vocal Arts Program is directed by two of the biggest names in the business: superstar soprano Renée Fleming and acclaimed conductor Patrick Summers.

Their experience and perspectives are just what an up-and-coming artist needs to get a start on the path to success.

Listen to the story to go behind the scenes!

Classical music reporter Chris Mohr has loved classical music since he was twelve. “And I owe it all to radio,” Chris explains. “I grew up in a farm town east of Cleveland. One day I turned on the local classical radio station. They were playing Vivaldi, and it was like the gates of heaven opened up to me!" Chris is also a composer, and is working on a 53-note-to-the-octave oratorio, "Melodies of the Shoreless Sea." This is his ninth summer working for Aspen Public Radio.