William Shomos
3634 South 77th Street Lincoln, Nebraska 68506 (402)472-2494 (wk) [email protected]
William Shomos, Hixson-Lied Professor of Voice and Opera, is Director of Opera at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Teaching duties include studio instruction to undergraduate and graduate vocalists and direction of the UNL opera program, including stage directing and teaching related courses in opera performance.
Education
D.M.A. Vocal performance and literature, University of Illinois (Urbana, IL), 1999. (Dissertation: "A Room with a View: A Critical and Historical Study of Robert Nelson and Buck Ross's Opera based on the E. M. Forster Novel")
M.M. Vocal performance, Northwestern University (Evanston, IL), 1983.
B.A. Major in music, Knox College (Galesburg, IL), 1982.
Teachers
John Wustman, music Diane Forlano, voice Ronald Hedlund, voice Robert Gay, opera
Teaching Experience
1994-present Opera Performance, University of Nebraska 2002-2011 History of Opera, University of Nebraska 1994-present Applied Voice, University of Nebraska 1994-2011 Opera Workshop, University of Nebraska 1992-1994 Applied Voice, Millikin University 1993-1994 Vocal Literature, Millikin University
1 Stage Direction--Professional, By Invitation upcoming: Tannhäuser (Wagner) Assistant Director National Theatre of Ballet and Opera Tirana, Albania November, 2013 upcoming: Opera Omaha Stage Director, Season Preview October, 2013 upcoming: Des Moines Metro Opera Stage Director, Apprentice Artist Program Summer, 2013
Des Moines Metro Opera Stage Director, Apprentice Artist Program Summer, 2012
Des Moines Metro Opera Stage Director, Apprentice Artist Program Summer, 2011
The Gift of the Magi (Ekstrom) Nebraska Repertory Theatre (Lincoln, Nebraska) December, 2010. Full production with piano.
Madama Butterfly (Puccini) La Musica Lirica (Novafeltria, Italy) July, 2009. Full production in Italian.
Voices in Residence, Opera Omaha March, 2009. Outreach project.
The Barber of Seville (Rossini), Opera Iowa/Des Moines Metro Opera January, 2009. Outreach project. In English.
Amahl and the Night Visitors (Menotti), Grace University (Omaha, Nebraska) December, 2008. Full production with piano.
Le Nozze di Figaro (Mozart), La Musica Lirica (Novafeltria, Italy) July, 2008. Full production in Italian.
Voices in Residence, Opera Omaha October, 2008. Outreach project.
Brundibar (Krasa), Omaha Conservatory of Music September, 2008. Full production with piano.
Carousel (Rodgers and Hammerstein), University of Nebraska April 2008. Full production. 2
War Horse 101, Opera Omaha October, 2007. Outreach project.
Suor Angelica/Gianni Schicchi (Puccini), La Musica Lirica (Novafeltria, Italy) July 2007. Full production. In Italian.
Le Nozze di Figaro (Mozart), Pensacola Opera February 2007. Full production. In Italian.
War Horse 101, Opera Omaha November 2006. Outreach project.
Così fan tutte (Mozart), Nevada Opera August 2006. Full production with piano, as a part of the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival series: Midsummer Nights---“Celebrating Genius.” In English.
Il Campanello (Donizetti), La Musica Lirica (Novafeltria, Italy) July 2006. Chamber production with piano. In Italian. Performed in Novafeltria, Montegridolfo, and Rimini (Italy).
Die Zauberflöte (Mozart), Nevada Opera April 2006. Full production. In German.
Così fan tutte (Mozart), Opera Iowa/Des Moines Metro Opera January 2006. Outreach project. In English.
The Three Pigs (Davies/Mozart), Opera Iowa/Des Moines Metro Opera January 2006. Outreach project. In English.
War Horse 101, Opera Omaha November 2005. Outreach project.
Des Moines Metro Opera Assistant Director, Tales of Hoffman (Offenbach) Stage Director, Apprentice Artist Program Summer 2005.
War Horse 101, Opera Omaha February 2005. Outreach project.
Turandot (Puccini), Nevada Opera October 2004. Full production. In Italian.
Des Moines Metro Opera Assistant Director, La Cenerentola (Rossini) Stage Director, Apprentice Artist Program Summer 2004.
3 L’elisir d’amore (Donizetti), Nevada Opera March 2004. Full production. In Italian.
L’elisir d’amore (Donizetti), Pensacola Opera March 2004. Full production. In Italian.
Des Moines Metro Opera Assistant Director, Faust (Gounod) Stage Director, Apprentice Artist Program Summer 2003.
Carmen (Bizet), Muddy River Opera Company (Quincy, IL) January 2001. Full production. In English.
Gianni Schicchi/Suor Angelica (Puccini), Muddy River Opera Company January 2001. Full production. In Italian.
La Bohème (Puccini), Opera!Lenawee (Adrian, MI) September 2000. Full production. In English.
La Traviata (Verdi), Dorian Opera Theatre (Decorah, IA) July 2000. Full production. In Italian.
Fiddler on the Roof (Bock/Harnick), Dorian Opera Theatre July 1999. Full production.
Così fan tutte (Mozart), St. Cloud State University November 1998. Workshop production. In English.
La Traviata (Verdi), Muddy River Opera Company January 1998. Full production. In English.
The Merry Wives of Windsor (Nicolai), Dorian Opera Theatre July 1997. Full production. In English.
The Music Man (Willson), Dorian Opera Theatre July 1996. Full production.
The Tender Land (Copland), Muddy River Opera Company November 1995. Full production.
La Bohème (Puccini), Dorian Opera Theatre Summer 1995. Full production. In English.
The Elixir of Love (Donizetti), Muddy River Opera Company June 1995. Full production. In English.
La Bohème (Puccini), Muddy River Opera Company June 1994. Full production. In English.
4 Stage Direction--University, Component of Teaching Assignment
O Pioneers! (White), University of Nebraska November, 2012. Full Production.
The Coronation of Poppea (Monteverdi), University of Nebraska February, 2012. Full production. In Italian.
Amahl and the Night Visitors (Menotti), University of Nebraska Decembers, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003. Full production with chamber orchestra.
Le Nozze di Figaro (Mozart), University of Nebraska November, 2011. Full production. In Italian.
O Pioneers! (White), University of Nebraska April, 2011. Workshop production.
Romeo and Juliet (Gounod), University of Nebraska February, 2011. Full production. In French.
Highlights from Czech Operas (various composers), University of Nebraska April, 2010. Workshop scale production. Sheldon Recital Hall. All selections sung in Czech. in collaboration with the Czech and Slovak Great Plains Symposium
Rigoletto (Verdi), University of Nebraska February, 2010. Full production. In Italian.
Our Town (Rorem), University of Nebraska November, 2009. Full production
Later the Same Evening (Musto), University of Nebraska April, 2009. Chamber production.
Elijah (Mendelssohn), University of Nebraska April, 2009. Full production.
Midsummer Night’s Dream (Britten), University of Nebraska November, 2008. Full production.
Dead Man Walking (Heggie), University of Nebraska February, 2008. Full production. Winner of the National Opera Association Opera Production Award
La Bohème (Puccini), University of Nebraska November, 2006. Full production. In Italian.
The Magic Flute (Mozart), University of Nebraska November 2005. Full production. 5
Vanessa (Barber), University of Nebraska April, 2005. Workshop production with piano.
The Gondoliers (Gilbert and Sullivan), University of Nebraska February 2005. Full production
Starlata, Princess of Mars (Snyder), University of Nebraska October 2004. Workshop Reading for UNL School of Music Convocation.
Susannah (Floyd), University of Nebraska November 2003. Full production.
The Marriage of Figaro (Mozart), University of Nebraska April 2003. Full production.
Into the Woods (Sondheim), University of Nebraska February 2002. Full production with chamber ensemble accompaniment.
Street Scene (Weill), University of Nebraska November 2001. Full production. Winner of the National Opera Association Opera Production Award
Once Upon A Mattress (M. Rodgers), University of Nebraska April 2001. Collaborative production at Star City Dinner Theatre. Hansel and Gretel (Humperdinck), University of Nebraska October 2000. Full production. In English.
Fiddler on the Roof (Bock/Harnick), University of Nebraska April 2000. Full production.
O Pioneers! (T. White), University of Nebraska November 2000. Full production. World premiere.
Yeomen of the Guard (Gilbert and Sullivan), University of Nebraska April 1999. Full production with piano.
Così fan tutte (Mozart), University of Nebraska February 1999. Full production. In Italian. Winner of the National Opera Association Opera Production Award
The Divine Madness (R. Snyder), University of Nebraska October 1998. Full production. World premiere.
Suor Angelica (Puccini), University of Nebraska February 1998. Full production. In Italian.
Gianni Schicchi (Puccini), University of Nebraska February 1998. Full production. In Italian.
6 Oklahoma! (Rodgers and Hammerstein), University of Nebraska November 1997. Full production.
Albert Herring (Britten), University of Nebraska October 1997. Full production with piano.
Don Giovanni (Mozart), University of Nebraska February 1997. Full production. Andrew Porter translation.
Down in the Valley (Weill), University of Nebraska October 1996. Full production with piano.
The Medium (Menotti), University of Nebraska October 1996. Full production with piano.
A Room with a View (Nelson/Ross), University of Nebraska February 1996. Full production. Midwest premiere.
The Tender Land (Copland), University of Nebraska October 1995. Full production with piano.
The Marriage of Figaro (Mozart), University of Nebraska February 1995. Full production. Andrew Porter translation.
The Old Maid and the Thief (Menotti), University of Nebraska October 1994. Full production with piano.
7 Performance—Opera/Musical Theatre
The Light in the Piazza (Guettl), role of Roy Johnson UNL Opera, 2010
Amahl and the Night Visitors (Menotti), role of King Melchior Grace University Guest Artist, 2008.
The Most Happy Fella (Loesser), role of Tony Esposito UNL Opera at the Waterford International Festival of Light Opera (Waterford, Ireland) October 2007.
Sweeney Todd (Sondheim), role of Sweeney Todd TADA with Lincoln Chamber Orchestra, 2006.
Cold Sassy Tree (Floyd), role of the Sheriff Opera Omaha, 2004.
The Bohemian Girl (Balfe), role of Count Arnheim Waterford International Festival of Light Opera (Waterford, Ireland) and the University of Nebraska, 2002.
Sweeney Todd (Sondheim), role of Sweeney Todd Star City Dinner Theatre (Lincoln, NE), 1999.
8 Performance--Oratorio/Concert
Messiah (Handel), baritone solos Bethesda Chancel Choir and Nebraska Symphony Chamber Orchestra, 2011.
Media Vita (Knecht) World Premiere Baritone solo Lincoln Lutheran Choir, with Orchestra, 2011
Fauré Requiem, baritone solo Lincoln Lutheran Choir, with Orchestra, 2011
Sanctus/Benedictus from Missa Solemnis (Beethoven), baritone solo Benedictus from Requiem (Mozart), baritone solo both with orchestra Presbyterian Church of the Cross, Omaha, Nebraska, 2011
Five Mystical Songs (Vaughan Williams), baritone solos UNL Big Red Singers, Andrew Last DMA recital, 2011
Brahms Requiem, baritone solo Abendmusik and University of Nebraska, 2010.
Narrator, Lincoln Portrait UNL Symphonic Band, 2010.
Brahms Requiem Movement 6, baritone solo Easter Services, Plymouth Congregational Church, 2010.
Messiah (Handel), baritone solos University of Nebraska, 2009.
Lord Nelson Mass (Haydn), baritone solo Lincoln Symphony Orchestra, 2009.
Messiah (Handel), baritone solos Bethesda Chancel Choir and Nebraska Symphony Chamber Orchestra, 2008.
Christus (Liszt), baritone solo (Christ) UNL Symphony Orchestra/American Liszt Society Festival, 2005.
The Mystic Trumpeter (White), baritone solo UNL Symphony Orchestra/Leaves of Grass: 150th Anniversary Conference, 2005.
Dona Nobis Pacem (Vaughan Williams), baritone solo Voices of Omaha, 2004.
Soloist, Selections from Sweeney Todd Lincoln Symphony Orchestra, 2003.
9 Ein deutsches Requiem (Brahms), baritone solo UNL School of Music, 2003.
Soloist, Opera Arias Omaha Municipal Orchestra, 2003.
Soloist, The Wonderful World of Opera Organ Vesper Series (Omaha, NE), 2003.
Love: Opera Style (assorted arias and ensembles) Lincoln Symphony Orchestra, 2002.
Messiah (Handel), baritone solo Voices of Omaha, 2004, 2003, 2002. 2001
Biblical Songs (Dvorák), sung in Czech UNL Masters conducting recital with orchestra, 2002.
Elijah (Mendelssohn), role of Elijah Grace University and Omaha Municipal Orchestra, 2002.
Five Mystical Songs (Vaughan Williams), baritone solo Galesburg Community Chorus, 2001.
The Creation (Haydn), role of Raphael University of Nebraska, 1998.
Requiem (Fauré), baritone solo Morningside College (Sioux City, IA), 1998.
Nativity According to St. Luke (Thompson), role of Zaccharias Abendmusik: Lincoln Fine Arts Series, 1996.
St. John Passion (Bach), role of Pilate Lincoln Orchestra Association (ACDA performance), 1996.
A Cornfield in July (Penn), baritone solo UNL Wind Ensemble, 1996.
Te Deum (Dvorak), baritone solo University of Nebraska, 1995.
Messiah (Handel), baritone solo, 1994. Millikin/Decatur Symphony Orchestra.
10 Performance--Recital
An afternoon of French Art Song (with Kate Butler) University of Nebraska, 2012 (Songs of Debussy)
Fili mi, Absalon (Schütz) w/Scott Anderson trombone quartet University of Nebraska, 2010
Winterreise (Schubert) with John Wustman University of Nebraska, 2010.
Schubertiad II, Schubert-Goethe Lieder Recital with John Wustman Organ Vesper Series (Omaha, NE), 2007.
Alpha to Omega, Schubert-Wolf Recital with John Wustman Organ Vesper Series (Omaha, NE), 2004.
Biblical Songs (Dvorak) First Friday Concert Series (Lincoln, NE), 2004.
The Songs of Hugo Wolf with John Wustman Organ Vesper Series, 2003. Midland Lutheran College, 2003. University of Nebraska, 2003.
Solo Recital (various composers) Midland Lutheran College, 2001. The Heine poems of Schubert’s Schwanengesang University of Nebraska, 2001. University of Nebraska at Omaha, 2001.
Hugo Wolf's Mörike Lieder University of Nebraska, 1999. Organ Vesper Series (Omaha, NE), 1999. Northwest Missouri State University, 1999. Iowa State University, 1999.
An die ferne Geliebte (Beethoven) Midland Lutheran College (Fremont, NE), 1999.
Gellert Lieder (Beethoven), Biblical Songs (Dvorak), Monologe aus Jedermann (Martin), Poèmes Juifs (Milhaud) University of Nebraska, 1998. University of Illinois, 1998.
Biblical Songs (Dvorak), Gellert Lieder (Beethoven), 4 Psalms (Hanson) University of Nebraska, 1997.
11 Songs of Franz Schubert University of Nebraska, 1996. Midland Lutheran College, 1996. Organ Vespers Series, 1996.
Monologe aus Jedermann (Martin), Poèmes Juifs (Milhaud), House of Life (Vaughan Williams) Midland Lutheran College, 1995. University of Nebraska, 1995. University of Nebraska at Kearney, 1995.
Songs to texts of Goethe University of Nebraska, 1994. University of Illinois, 1994. Millikin University, 1994. Southern Illinois University, 1994.
The Songs of Franz Schubert, 1992-1994 (70+ concerts) participation in a project with other University of Illinois students to perform and tour nationally the complete songs of Franz Schubert under the direction and accompaniment of John Wustman.
12 Performance--Solo appearances not of the scope of major orchestral collaborations or recitals.
Sigma Alpha Iota (DuParc’s “Phidylé) November 2012
66th Albanian American National Organization Convention (Washington, DC) Soloist, American, Canadian, and Albanian National Anthems, 2012.
Leonard Bernstein: A Celebration of Song (“The Best of All Possible Worlds”) University of Nebraska, 2012
Art Isn’t Easy: A Fundraiser Cabaret for the TADA Theatre (Sondheim Selections: “No More”, “A Little Priest”, “My Friends” January, 2012
Una Notte a Napoli (“Non più andrai”, “O del mio amato ben”, “Where is the life that late I led”) Fundraiser for Lincoln Symphony Orchestra, 2011
65th Albanian American National Organization Convention (Washington, DC) Soloist, American, Canadian, and Albanian National Anthems, 2011.
Lied Commons Celebration honoring Christina Hixson (“The Impossible Dream”) University of Nebraska, 2011
Frank Loesser: A Celebration of Song (“Mamma, Mamma”) University of Nebraska, 2011
Jerome Kern: A Celebration of Song (“Ole Man River”) University of Nebraska, 2009
Concerto di Gala (Novafeltria, Italy) 2008. (“O del mio amato ben”, “La cì darem la mano”)
Irving Berlin: A Celebration of Song (“God Bless America”) University of Nebraska, 2008.
Concerto di Gala (Novafeltria, Italy) 2008. (“Count’s Aria”, “La cì darem la mano”)
Richard Rodgers: A Celebration of Song (“Billy’s Soliloquy”) University of Nebraska, 2007. 13
Concerto di Gala (Rimini, Italy), 2006.
Concerto di Gala (Novafeltria, Italy), 2006. (“Count’s Aria”, “La cì darem la mano”)
A Date with the Devil: Boito and Gounod operatic music for Mephistopheles UNL Friends of Opera Fundraiser Gala, 2006.
George Gershwin: A Celebration of Song (“I Got Plenty of Nothin’”, “Bess, you is my woman”) University of Nebraska, 2006.
59th Albanian American National Organization Convention (Chicago, IL) Soloist, American, Canadian, and Albanian National Anthems, 2005.
An Evening at the Opera with Hal France Midland Lutheran College, 2005.
TADA Gala, Selection from Sweeney Todd, 2005.
Arias from Operas of Franz Schubert --world premiere of Michael Cotton piano transcriptions, 2005.
Cole Porter: A Celebration of Song (“Where is the Life that Late I Led?”) University of Nebraska, 2005.
Scenes from “Fidelio” Midland Lutheran College, 2003, 2004.
Soloist, A Choral Collaborative Omaha Symphony with Opera Omaha, 2003.
Soloist, Opera’s Great Moments Midland Lutheran College, 2003.
Soloist, Selections from Fidelio Midland Lutheran College, 2003.
Friends of Opera Home Concerts, approximately 40 since 2000, which I have emceed and at which I have usually performed.
14 Lectures/Presentations
2012 Lecturer, Preparing UNL Opera’s L’Incoronazione di Poppea Sigma Alpha Iota
2012 Pre-performance speaker, O Pioneers! UNL Opera
2012 Pre-performance speaker, L’Incoronazione di Poppea UNL Opera
2011 Pre-performance teacher, Amahl and the Night Visitors (for LPS Title I Schools) Belmont Elementary Clinton Elementary McPhee Elementary Norwood Park Elementary Riley Elementary Saratoga Elementary West Lincoln Elementary Elliott Elementary Arnold Elementary Calvert Elementary Pershing Elementary Lakeview Elementary Brownell Elementary Prescott Elementary
2011 Pre-performance speaker, Le Nozze di Figaro UNL Opera
2011 Pre-performance speaker, Le Comte Ory, Metropolitan Opera Broadcast sponsored by Opera Omaha
2011 Pre-performance speaker, Romeo and Juliet UNL Opera
2011 Lecturer, “Romeo and Juliet” Interdisciplinary 19th-Century Class (918) on Romantic Love
2011 Lecturer, “Romeo and Juliet” UNL School of Music Graduate Convocation
2011 Lecturer/Performer, Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess “Arts, Politics, and Media” (taught by Jack Oliva)
15
2010 Pre-performance teacher, Amahl and the Night Visitors (for LPS Title I Schools) Belmont Elementary Clinton Elementary Hartley Elementary McPhee Elementary Norwood Park Elementary Riley Elementary Saratoga Elementary West Lincoln Elementary Elliott Elementary Everett Elementary Arnold Elementary Calvert Elementary
2010 “Walt Whitman in Song” WMB 130 on April 30, 2010 Lincoln North Star High School on October 9, 2010 Lincoln Southwest High School on October 21, 2010
2010 Opera Scenes performance. Tassel Theatre, Holdredge Nebrasaka. Director and Narrator.
2010 “Ned Rorem’s Operatic Adaptation of Thornton Wilder’s OUR TOWN” Copper Kettle Club
2010 Pre-performance speaker, Rigoletto UNL Opera
2009 Pre-performance teacher, Amahl and the Night Visitors (for LPS Title I Schools) Belmont Elementary Clinton Elementary Hartley Elementary McPhee Elementary Norwood Park Elementary Pershing Elementary Prescott Elementary Riley Elementary Saratoga Elementary West Lincoln Elementary Sacred Heart Elementary
2009 Pre-performance speaker: Aida, Metropolitan Opera Broadcast sponsored by Opera Omaha
2009 Pre-performance speaker: Madama Butterfly, Metropolitan Opera Broadcast sponsored by Opera Omaha 16
2009 Pre-performance speaker, Our Town UNL Opera
2009 Lecturer, “An Introduction to Our Town” Sigma Alpha Iota
2008 Lecturer, “Our Town” UNL School of Music Graduate Convocation
2008 Pre-performance teacher, Amahl and the Night Visitors (for LPS Title I Schools) Clinton Elementary Norwood Park Elementary Saratoga Elementary McFee Elementary Arnold Elementary Riley Elementary Brownel Elementary Hartley Elementary Belmont Elementary Everett Elementary Elliott Elementary Prescott Elementary West Lincoln Elementary
2008 Pre-performance speaker, A Midsummer Night’s Dream UNL Opera
2008 Lecturer, “An Introduction to A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Lincoln East High School Sigma Alpha Iota
2008 Lecturer, “Producing A Midsummer Night’s Dream” UNL School of Music Graduate Convocation
2008 Speaker, “Introduction to Opera Lincoln Zodiac Club
2008 Lecturer, “Beethoven’s Fidelio” Rockhurst High School Music and the Humanities Class
2008 Pre-performance speaker, Opera Omaha’s Aida Stephen Center Homeless Shelter Open Door Mission Girls Inc. Quality Living Cooper Village Uta Halee
17 2008 Pre-performance speaker, Dead Man Walking UNL opera
2008 Lecturer, “An Introduction to Dead Man Walking” Lincoln North Star High School Lincoln East High School LPS Arts and Humanities Focus School
2008 Lecturer, “Producing Dead Man Walking” UNL School of Music Graduate Convocation
2006 Pre-performance speaker, La Bohème UNL Opera
2006 Lecturer, “Producing La Bohème” UNL School of Music Graduate Convocation
2005 Lecturer, “Introduction to The Magic Flute” LPS Arts and Humanities Focus School
2005 Lecturer, “Producing The Gondoliers”\ UNL School of Music Graduate Convocation
2005 Lecturer, “Producing The Magic Flute” UNL School of Music Graduate Convocation
2004 Moderator, “Anatomy of An Opera: Designing Elixir of Love” Friends of Opera and UNL Opera
2004 Pre-performance speaker, Tosca Lied Center
2004 Panelist, “University Opera Programs” National Opera Association Convention
2003 Lecturer, “Demystifying Opera” One Book One Lincoln, Lincoln City Libraries
2003 Lecturer, “Producing Susannah” UNL School of Music Graduate Convocation
2003 Lecturer, “Producing The Marriage of Figaro” UNL School of Music Graduate Convocation
2003 Lecturer, “Introduction to Opera” LPS Arts and Humanities Focus School Lincoln Southeast High School Lincoln Southwest High School Norris High School 18
2001 Lecturer, “Street Scene: An American Opera” UNL Friends of Opera Informance Lecture
1999 Lecturer and Symposium Director: “The Fullness of Life: The Voice of Hugo Wolf” UNL School of Music
1999 Lecturer, “Voices of the Great Plains: Music Theatre Adaptations of Willa Cather’s Literature”: A lecture presentation of opera scenes as a part of the Great Plains Music and Dance Symposium.
1999 Lecturer, “Producing O Pioneers!” UNL School of Music Graduate Convocation
1999 Pre-performance speaker, Madama Butterfly Lied Center
Outreach
2010 “Amahl and the Night Visitors”--Holdredge Tassel Theatre Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts in collaboration with UNL’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. The event was also supported by the Nebraska Alumni Association.
2010 “Walt Whitman in Song” WMB 130 on April 30, 2010 Lincoln North Star High School on October 9, 2010 Lincoln Southwest High School on October 21, 2010
2010 UNL Opera presentation UNL Faculty Women’s Club
2003-2010 “Introduction to Amahl and the Night Visitors” Title I Elementary Schools (Lincoln, Nebraska)
2003 “The Making of an Opera” Arts Are Basic: A fourteen week project at Goodrich Junior High School in conjunction with UNL Opera’s The Marriage of Figaro.
19 Grants
Woods Brothers Realty--Foundation for Giving, 2011 I represented Friends of Opera to the Woods Foundation to attain this grant in support of “Amahl and the Night Visitors” $1000
Lincoln Arts Council, 2008 “Amahl and the Night Visitors” $1500
Lincoln Arts Council, 2007, “Amahl and the Night Visitors” $2000.
Lincoln Arts Council, 2006, “Amahl and the Night Visitors” $1750.
Lincoln Arts Council, 2005, “Amahl and the Night Visitors” $1500.
Woods Foundation, 2004 . “Amahl and the Night Visitors” $6000.
UNL Research Council, 2003 Visiting Scholar Grant for John Wustman $531.
Nebraska Humanities Council Grant, 1999. "The Fullness of Life: the Voice of Hugo Wolf."
Summer Research Fellowship, University of Nebraska, 1999. "Hugo Wolf and the 19th century German art song: A study in the performance, historical context, and pedagogical significance of the Mörike song book" $5000.
20 Theses/Dissertations completed under my direction:
2012 Steven Soebbing The Portrayal of Male Homoeroticism in Early Classical Opera
2011 Jake Bartlett Healthy Performance Practice for Barbershop Musicians
2006 Charles Smith Eric Hermannson’s Soul: Comparing and Contrasting Two Musical Adaptations of the Willa Cather Short Story
2005 Dawn Pawlewski The Looking Glass by Amy Tate Williams: A Critical Analysis Evaluating the Work’s Value in the Field of Opera for Youth
2005 Anthony Radford The Role of the Two-Register Vocal Theory in Determining Francesco Benucci’s Influence on W.A. Mozart’s Viennese operas
Student Recitals (beginning 2011) Michael Tulley, DMA lecture-recital, 2012 Steven Soebbing, DMA lecture-recital, 2012 Zachary Smith, senior recital, 2012 Mick Huntley, senior recital, 2012 Jenny Smith and Jay Colwell, sophomore recital, 2012 Dustin Paugh, senior recital, 2011 Nick Jester, sophomore recital, 2011 Logan Reising, senior recital, 2011
21 Graduate Advising/Committees *Jake Bartlett *indicates chair *Thomas Gunther Kari Waddingham Mary Nutsch Demaree Brown *Dawn Doverspike Josh Neumann *Lee Galbreath Chris Foss *Brett Hyberger Lisa Loewen Kroeker *Anne Gray *Antonella delli Carpini *Wendy Bross Tiffany Billings *Jim Hardin *Allison Lingren *Joye Johnson Kyle Billings-Sandall *Joey Lott Steven Soebbing Dawn Pawlewsi DMA chair Stephanie Varilek Janene Sheldon DMA thesis reader Beth Neuerburg *Travis Richter Enoch Ulmer Melissa Wallner DMA thesis reader *Jake Bartlettt DMA Lingling He Veronica Turner DMA Charles Smith, DMA chair Jessie Cotton Ginger Reinhardt Stephen Todd Scott Herr Luke McKenty Harold Barnard Julie Soroko Lance Hedlund Talea Bloch Amy Janky Andrew Holm Briana Donley *Steven Soebbing DMA Jeff Keele Sarah Baldus Farr DMA thesis reader *Derek Parks Jeni Houser Tony Radford DMA chair Karina Brazas Laurie Lashbrook DMA thesis reader Jaime Castellanos Hannah Jo Smith DMA thesis reader Katie Mozack Marilia Alvares DMA Talea Bloch DMA Kristin Brye DMA Andrew Last DMA thesis reader Adrienne Dickson DMA *Jared Hiscock Amy Guevara DMA *Joshua Zink, DMA Olga Bojovic *Austin Genzlinger Scott Miller DMA thesis reader Adam Fieldson *Chris Maunu Anne Gray, DMA *Kyle Bradley Adam Philley Kriste Belt *Michael Tully, DMA Erin Grych Pam Miller Ryan Fitch *Charles Smith DMA Pam Miller, DMA
22 Student Awards/Accomplishments
2012 Sam Vasta (BME, 2008) hired as Artistic Manager of Madison Opera
Steven Soebbing (DMA 2012) hired as Voice Instructor at Frostburg State University
Jake Bartlett (DMA 2011) hired as Voice Professor at Peru State College
West Central Regional NATS Auditions Katelyn Geary, semi-finalist (freshmen women) Drew Ritchie, semi-finalist (sophomore men) Jenny Smith, 3rd place (junior women) Timothy Madden, semi-finalist (senior men) Josh Huls, semi-finalist (senior men) Timothy Madden, semi-finalist (musical theatre, advanced) Jared Hiscock, 3rd place (graduate men)
Nebraska-NATS Auditions Drew Ritchie, first place (sophomore men) Jenny Smith, second place (junior women) Jay Colwell, second place (junior men) Timothy Madden, finalist (senior men)
2011 Jake Bartlett (DMA 2011) hired as Director of Choral Activities at Gillette College in Wyoming.
Zach Smith (BA 2012) won the Marshall Scholarship.
Steven Soebbing (DMA 2012) had his proposed presentation: "The Sin of Zephyrus: Male Homoeroticism in Mozart’s 'Apollo et Hyacinthus'" accepted for presentation for the 2012 Annual Interdisciplinary Conference of the American Men's Studies Association (Minneapolis, MN). Blind review.
West Central Regional NATS Auditions Jay Colwell, 1st place (sophomore men) John Guastello, 3rd place (sophomore men) Jenny Smith, 3rd place (sophomore women) Timothy Madden, 2nd place (junior men) Timothy Madden, 3rd place (advanced musical theatre men)
Nebraska-NATS Auditions Jay Colwell, 1st place (sophomore men) John Guastello, finalist (sophomore men) Jenny Smith, finalist (sophomore women) Timothy Madden, 3rd place (junior men) Joshua Huls, finalist (junior men)
23 UCARE Timothy Madden UCARE Jacob Anderson
Nick Jester (applied student) wrote, composed, directed and starred in a successful musical at the Haymarket Theatre (Lincoln), CHIROPRACTICAL.
Sam Anderson (BME 2008), Director of Choral Activities at Rockhurst High School, was hired as Interim Choral Director at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Kansas City.
Allison Lingren (MM 2010) hired as Assistant Director with Opera North.
Jason Frew (BME 2011) hired at Aurora High School (Choral Director).
Nick Djernes (BME 2009) received “Rookie of the Year” outstanding faculty award in the Omaha Westside School District.
Thomas Gunther (MM 2008) Winner, District Metropolitan Opera Auditions
2010 Thomas Gunther (MM 2008) Winner, District Metropolitan Opera Auditions Encouragement Award, Regionals
Sam Anderson (BME 2008) Selected as a member of the Grammy Award winning Kansas City Chorale
Sam Vasta (BME 2008) Santa Fe Opera Production Assistant Palm Beach Opera Production Administrator
West Central Regional NATS Auditions Jay Colwell, 1st place (freshmen men) John Guastello, finalist (freshmen men) Jenny Smith, finalist (freshmen women) Timothy Madden, 3rd place (sophomore men) Jake Skarin, finalist (sophomore men) Dustin Paugh, finalist (senior men) Jake Skarin, 2nd place-Musical Theatre (lower division)
Nebraska-NATS Auditions Jay Colwell, 1st place (freshmen men) John Guastello, finalist (freshmen men) Josh Huls, finalist (sophomore men) Timothy Madden, finalist (sophomore men) Jake Skarin, finalist (sophomore men) Mick Huntley, finalist (junior men) 24
UCARE Nick Jester
2009 Jake Skarin 2nd place, Regional NATS (freshmen men) 2nd place, State NATS (freshmen men) Josh Huls semi-finalist, Regional NATS (freshmen men) finalist, State NATS (freshmen men) Zach Smith 5th place, Regional NATS (sophomore men) finalist, State NATS (sophomore men) Jason Frew finalist, State NATS (junior men) Sloane Cornelius finalist, State NATS (sophomore women) Timothy Madden semi-finalist, Regional NATS (freshmen men) Mick Huntley semi-finalist, Regional NATS (sophomore men)
UCARE Justin Potter
2008 Thomas Gunther Artman/Straub Award (full tuition plus $7500 stipend) for the Artist Diploma program at CCM
Nick Djernes NMEA Collegiate Showcase Recital
Sam Anderson baritone soloist/section leader at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral AND The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Kansas City
UCARE Justin Potter
2007 Michael Tully F. Pace Woods Award, HLCFPA
Thomas Gunther Winner, District Metropolitan Opera Auditions
Thomas Gunther Starveling, DMMO Midsummer Night’s Dream “Standouts included Thomas Gunther’s droll Starveling” Opera News, October, 2007
Zack Bjornsen 1st place, Regional NATS (senior men) Drew Neneman 5th place, Regional NATS (senior men) Thomas Hurd 2nd place, State NATS (senior men) Drew Neneman 3rd place, State NATS (senior men) Jake Bartlett 3rd place, State NATS (graduate students)
2006 Kenneth Floyd (BM, UNL, 1997) played the role of the 3rd Slave in the Metropolitan Opera production of The Magic Flute.
Thomas Gunther 1st place, State NATS (graduate students) Chris Foss 3rd place, State NATS (graduate students)
25 Zach Bjornsen 1st place, State NATS (senior men) Thomas Hurd 2nd place, State NATS (senior men) Drew Neneman 2nd place, State NATS (junior men)
2005 Kyle Bradley 3rd place, Regional NATS (graduate men) Kyle Bradley 1st place, State NATS (graduate students) Sam Anderson 2nd place, Regional NATS (junior men) James Gade 4th place, Regional NATS (senior men) Mark Adams 5th place, Regional NATS (senior men) Drew Neneman 1st place, State NATS (sophomore men) Sam Anderson 2nd place, State NATS (junior men) Tom Hurd 3rd place, State NATS (junior men) Mark Adams Finalist, State NATS (senior men)
Kenneth Floyd (BM, UNL, 1997) won the single opening tint he bass section of the Metropolitan Opera Chorus, New York. Travis Richter principal roles with Des Moines Metro Opera principal role with Mobile Opera
2004 Travis Richter accepted to LSU DMA program principal roles with Des Moines Metro Opera Chris Maunu hired to teach applied voice at Peru and Doane
2003 Thomas Hurd 1st place, State NATS (freshmen men) Thomas Hurd 4th place, Regional NATS (freshmen men) James Gade Finalist, Regional NATS (sophomore men) Travis Richter principal roles with Des Moines Metro and Nevada Opera
2002 Travis Richter Des Moines Metro Opera Apprentice Artist Program Derek Parks Ohio Light Opera, principal role, commercial recording
Emily Heitzman Semi-finalist, Regional NATS (sophomore women) Jesse Wells Semi-finalist, Regional NATS (freshmen men)
2001 Travis Richter Winner, District Metropolitan Opera Auditions Central City Opera Apprentice Artist Program Bryce Weber Honorable Mention, District Metropolitan Opera Auditions
2000 Bryce Weber 1st place, State NATS (senior men) Stephen Mohring Finalist, State NATS (junior men) Leo Skeffington Finalist, State NATS (graduate students)
26 Academic and Professional Service
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Director of Opera, UNL Opera, 1994-present Chair, Voice/Opera Area, 2000-May, 2011 Technical Director Search Committee (Chair), 2011 Voice Search Committee, 2010-2011 Promotion and Tenure Process Committee, 2011 Ensemble Schedule Committee, 2011 Interim Chair, Voice/Opera/Choral Area, Spring 1998 School of Music Executive Committee, 2002-2005 School of Music Undergraduate Curriculum Committee, 1996-2002 Voice Search Committees, 1998-1999, 2003-2004 (Chair), 2004-2005, 2008-09 (Chair), 2009 Technical Director Search Committees, 1995, 1997, 2001, 2008, 2010 (Chair), Faculty Mentor (Kate Butler), 2004-2007 Chair, School of Music Awards Committee 2006-2009 Rokahr Archive Dedication Committee, 2002 Member. School of Music NASM “Performance” Committee, 1997-1998 Member, School of Music Graduate Task Force, 1997-1998 Tenure and Promotion First Letter Writer: Peter Eklund (Full Professor, 2010), Kevin Hanrahan (Reappointment, 2010), Kevin Hanrahan (Tenure and Promotion, 2010)
UNL Friends of Opera Board of Directors, 2000-present
National Association of Teachers of Singing State Governor, 1999-2002 State Treasurer, 1997-1999 Regular Adjudicator in State and Regional Auditions (including 2012)
National Opera Association Adjudicator, Opera Production Competition, 2011 National Board of Directors, 2004-2007 Nebraska State Representative, 2001-2007 Adjudicator, Chamber Opera Competition, 2003 Member, current
Adult Choir Director Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, 2003-2009
Metropolitan Opera Adjudicated Iowa District of Met Opera National Council Auditions, 2002
27 External Service Outside evaluator for tenure/promotion file of Amy Bouterse (Voice Faculty, University of Wisconsin-Parkside) 2012
Outside evaluator for tenure/promotion file of David Dillard (Voice Faculty, Southern Illinois University) 2011
Outside evaluator for tenure/promotion file of Thomas Rowell (Voice Faculty, University of South Alabama) 2010
Outside evaluator for tenure/promotion file of Kim Josephson (Voice Faculty, University of Oklahoma) 2010
Outside evaluator for promotion file of Katharine DeBoer (Voice Faculty, University of Nevada-Reno) 2010
Outside evaluator for promotion file of Katrina Zook (Voice Faculty, University of Wyoming) 2010
Outside evaluator for tenure/promotion file of Laurie Lashbrook (Voice Faculty, University of Akron) 2009
Outside evaluator for tenure/promotion file of Richard Todd Payne (Voice Faculty, Missouri State University) 2007
Outside evaluator for tenure/promotion file of Constance Rock (Voice Faculty, University of Connecticut) 2006
Outside evaluator for tenure/promotion file of Genaro Mendez (Voice Faculty, University of Kansa) 2006
Outside evaluator for tenure/promotion file of Mark Clark (Director of Opera, Indiana University) 2005
Outside evaluator for tenure/promotion file of Leslie Umphrey (Voice Faculty, University of New Mexico) 2004
Adjudications
2010 All-State Vocal Auditions
Awards 2012 Faculty Award for Outstanding Research, Engagement or Service Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts
2011 NOMINATED for Hixson-Lied Faculty Award for Outstanding Outreach, Engagement or Service. (did not win the award)
2010 Outstanding Educator, Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, UNL.
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2008 National Opera Association, Dead Man Walking (Heggie), UNL Opera 1st place
2007 Best Male Singer for the role of Tony Esposito in UNL Opera’s The Most Happy Fella The Waterford 49th International Festival of Light Opera
2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2003 UNL Parents Association “Certificate of Recognition”
2003 UNL Mortar Board “People Who Inspire”
2001 National Opera Association, Street Scene (Weill), UNL Opera, 1st place
1999 National Opera Association, Così fan tutte (Mozart), UNL Opera, 1st place
Workshops Attended
Richard Miller/One-day Workshop, University of Nebraska, 2000.
Richard Miller in the Midwest/One-week Workshop, Concordia University, 2000.
National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Internship program, University of Colorado-Boulder, 1994.
Other Memberships
Opera America
Phi Beta Kappa
29 Select Press Reviews of Opera Stage Direction
2006, Così fan tutte, Nevada Opera “[Così fan tutte] was given a marvelous presentation by Nevada Opera in the open-air spaciousness of Lake Tahoe’s Sand Harbor Ampitheater…The production was fast paced…and thoroughly entertaining…William Shomos directed the piece in a traditional manner, but it was still fresh as new and loaded with fun.” (Jack Neal’s Music Reviews)
2006, Die Zauberflöte, Nevada Opera “Thank heavens for the beautiful music, beautiful voices, an orchestra that plays well, a chorus that sings well, and a director--William Shomos--that keeps things moving well…The company’s “The Magic Flute” gets two thumbs up and four- and-one-half stars. It’s a hit.” (Jack Neal’s Music Reviews)
2005, Turandot, Nevada Opera “Friday night (11/5/04) Nevada Opera tackled the lush and hypnotic "Turandot," with all the difficulties it entails, and came up with a great big grand opera winner. Blessed with a remarkably fine cast of singing actors and a topnotch production crew of stagers, costumers and set and lighting craftsmen and craftswomen, the company's "Turandot" was one thrill after another for the large Reno audience which greeted this triumph of art over challenges with a much deserved ovation…William Shomos's staging is powerful and moving.” (Jack Neal’s Music Reviews)
2004, L’Elisir d’Amore, Nevada Opera “The production is staged by William Shomos who provides a quick, airy and charming take on Elixir’s razor-thin story.” (Jack Neal’s Music Reviews)
2001, Once Upon a Mattress, UNL Opera “Shomos fields a cast that exhibits strong voices, excellent theatrical stage presence and an attitude of charm and humor that literally beguiled even the most curmudgeonly.” (Lincoln Journal Star)
2000, La Bohème, Opera!Lenawee “The picture that emerges onstage, thanks to set design, lighting, costuming, and Shomos’ very detailed directorial touches, is quite wonderful.” (Adrian Daily Telegram)
1999, O Pioneers!, UNL Opera “If the opera had its shortcomings, that was not the case with the production, which was superb on every count, including the nuanced direction of William Shomos.” (Omaha World Herald)
“Karen Hughes’s spinto-ish soprano gave strength to her portayal of Alexandra and her conquest of the land. Leo Skeffington (Carl), Harold Barnard II (Oscar) and Jeff Keele (Frank) were noteworthy in supporting roles, while a chorus of townspeople contributed to William Shomos’s crisp mise-en-scène.” (Opera News On-Line)
30 Select Press Reviews of Vocal Performances
2009, Lord Nelson Mass, Lincoln Symphony Orchestra “Shomos, too, exhibited good vocal qualities. The “Qui Tollis” bass solo tests the range of the singer, and Shomos dealt with the highs and lows with even tonal projection and great diction.” (Lincoln Journal Star)
2007, The Most Happy Fella, UNL Opera (Waterford, Ireland performance) “William Shomos was amazing as Tony and his fine operatic voice just filled the theatre. He created such emotional responses. This was the performance of the festival (so far). His little asides to his Momma in heaven were tender and honest and his big duets with Rosa had such passion and strength.” (Munster Express online)
2006, Sweeney Todd, TADA Productions “William Shomos has the role of Sweeney Todd, the mad barber. Shomos remained constantly focused on his character throughout the production and his powerful voice carried the pathos perfectly.” (Lincoln Journal Star)
2003, Ein deutsches Requiem, UNL “Shomos’ diction was excellent and his entrance on the text “Surely my whole life is but a moment to you” was an indication of his passionate involvement with the score, a role he upheld well all afternoon.” (Lincoln Journal Star)
2002, The Bohemian Girl, UNL Opera (Waterford, Ireland performance) “William Shomos as the Count was a wonderful actor and singer. His vocal power was so impressive in ‘The Heart Bow’d Down.’” (Munster Express online)
2002, The Bohemian Girl, UNL Opera “Shomos’ voice is strikingly clear, excellently placed, with unforced diction that cuts through the house.” (Lincoln Journal Star)
1999, The Complete Mörike Songs of Hugo Wolf, UNL “The result Sunday afternoon in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Kimball Recital Hall was a towering accomplishment that will stand as one of the region’s musical high points of the year and even the decade…Shomos, who wss the most physical of the three, shone in selections that put an emphasis on storytelling.” (Omaha World Herald)
31 Pre-1994 performing experience summary
--Approximately 70 concerts under the direction and accompaniment of John Wustman in a project to perform the complete songs of Franz Schubert. University of Illinois.
--Professional Opera Roles including Marcello (La Boheme), Don Giovanni (Don Giovanni), Silvio (I Pagliacci), Father (Hansel and Gretel), Papageno (Magic Flute), Titus Thumb (Bilby's Doll)
--Professional Operetta Roles including Captain Corchoran (HMS Pinafore), Giuseppe Palmieri (The Gondoliers), Sergeant Meryll (Yeomen of the Guard)
--Des Moines Metro Opera Apprentice Program (1988)
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