Discover the Art of Opera at the University of Tennessee
At the University of Tennessee Opera Theater, we bring stories to life through breathtaking music, passionate performances, and world-class training.
For aspiring opera singers, our program offers a dynamic environment where you’ll refine your craft with expert faculty, gain extensive stage experience, and collaborate with talented musicians in fully staged productions.
For our audiences, each performance is a chance to witness the next generation of operatic talent in action. Whether you dream of taking center stage or immersing yourself in the magic of live opera, UT Opera Theater invites you to be a part of the experience.
2025 – 2026 UT Opera Theatre Season
An Italian Double Feature
La cambiale di matrimonio – Gioachino Rossini
Amelia al ballo – Gian Carlo Menotti
November 14, 15 & 16, 2025
Bijou Theatre
The Cunning Little Vixen – Leoš Janáček
(Sung in English)
April 24, 25 & 26, 2026
Bijou Theatre
About the UT Opera
At the University of Tennessee Opera Theater, we are dedicated to developing the next generation of opera professionals. Our comprehensive training program builds a strong technical foundation in voice, acting, movement, diction, and stagecraft, equipping you for a successful and fulfilling career. We emphasize self-motivation, artistic excellence, and the role of opera in the community.
As a UT Opera Theater student, you’ll gain extensive performance experience in fully staged productions and have opportunities to collaborate with Knoxville Opera, Marble City Opera, and the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. You’ll also engage in outreach programs, perform at high-profile university events, and serve as an ambassador for opera. With professional-caliber productions and a supportive artistic environment, UT Opera Theater is where your passion meets opportunity.
About the Knoxville Opera Studio
Knoxville Opera Studio (KOS) is the bridge that joins the Knoxville Opera and the University of Tennessee’s graduate vocal performance program. This training program offers a professional operatic experience to developing singers and brings them into contact with active artists in the professional operatic world.
Knoxville Opera provides KOS students with vocal and dramatic coachings, masterclasses, and seminars from leading industry professionals. Studio members perform in Knoxville Opera mainstage productions and may be invited to perform at community events or other outreach performances as ambassadors of UT and Knoxville Opera. This program is designed to work seamlessly with the student’s academic schedules and is intended to enhance the academic study and training they receive at UT.
About the Venue
The historic Bijou Theatre serves as a captivating stage for our opera performances. With its rich heritage and stunning architecture right in the heart of downtown Knoxville, the Bijou provides the perfect setting for bringing operatic stories to life. Our students and faculty deliver compelling productions that blend powerful music with dramatic storytelling, creating unforgettable experiences for audiences. At the Bijou, the timeless art of opera finds a home where tradition and creativity come together.
Meet our UT Opera Faculty
Kevin Class
Director of Collaborative Piano, Music Director of Opera Theatre
Eileen Downey
Distinguished Lecturer of Collaborative Piano and Vocal Coach
Knoxville: A Vibrant Hub for Arts, Culture, and Opportunity
Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville, TN, offers the perfect blend of urban energy and natural beauty. Home to a thriving arts scene, world-class music, and a welcoming community, Knoxville provides endless opportunities for creatives, entrepreneurs, and students alike. With a cost of living lower than the national average and a rich cultural landscape—including the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Big Ears Festival, and Market Square’s lively events – Knoxville is an inspiring place to live, work, and grow. Whether you’re exploring outdoor adventures along the Tennessee River, engaging with the city’s dynamic music industry, or taking in its historic charm, Knoxville is a city that fosters creativity and connection.