Nathan Gunn, Grammy Award-winning Metropolitan Opera baritone and artist-in-residence for the Department of Music, has visited campus twice this spring to help the students prepare for Opera Notre Dame's production of Mozart's Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute). Gunn has sung the role of Papageno from this opera in many of the world's leading opera houses in his impressive 25 year career.
According to Music Department Chair Peter Smith, "To have an artist of Nathan's stature work closely with our students is an extraordinary educational opportunity. That the opera in question includes one of Nathan's signature roles—one he has sung in productions he has created with such opera luminaries as conductor James Levine, tenor Matthew Polenzani, and stage director Julie Taymor—makes the experience that much more special. Nathan brings to his work with ND students not only his own insights into Die Zauberflöte but those he has developed from his collaborations with these other leaders in the field of opera performance."
Gunn began his artist residency at the University of Notre Dame in the Fall of 2014. He visits campus each semester to teach voice students, supervise full-cast opera rehearsals, guest lecture in academic courses, lead masterclasses, and participate with ND faculty in public colloquia. He also frequently performs on campus at the Leighton Concert Hall, as he will again on April 9 as part of the presenting series of the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center. Opera Notre Dame's production of Mozart's Die Zauberflöte runs from Thursday, April 27, to Sunday, April 30. Tickets for Gunn's recital and for the opera performances are available at 574-631-2800 or performingarts.nd.edu.