opera

The Moores Opera Center (MOC) is recognized as one of the leading opera training programs in the country. Founded by Buck Ross in 1985, the MOC has earned a national reputation for preparing singers for professional careers, with alumni performing on stages across the globe. The Center is now under the leadership of Artistic Director Kathleen Belcher and Music Director Jorge Parodi, both of whom are active in the opera profession throughout North America and abroad.

Students learn their craft through a robust curriculum that is designed to prepare emerging artists for the realities of a professional career in the 21st century, combined with the opportunity to perform in multiple fully staged productions with orchestra each year in the acoustically superior Moores Opera House. Multiple productions ensure significant stage time and experience for MOC students of all levels. Annual programming features a diverse repertoire, including operas from the baroque period to present day, works by composers who have been historically underrepresented on the opera stage, and musical theater works suited to the classically trained voice. Our imaginative productions regularly win National Opera Association awards in the most competitive division in the United States. 

Casting auditions for MOC productions are held in April and August of each year and are open to all students. Undergraduates are considered alongside graduate students in casting.

MOC participants study with an artist faculty comprised of nationally and internationally recognized singers, directors, and conductors. Students have opportunities to workshop new operas with some of the most exciting composers and librettists in the country and to work with a variety of guest artists. The learning environment at Moores is positive, collaborative, and supportive—one that fosters the building of relationships that will serve as the foundation for a professional career. Moores Opera Center artists and alumni have an impressive record as competition winners and are consistently among those selected for apprentice and emerging artist programs. Our distinguished alumni regularly perform in leading opera houses around the world.

Finally, Houston—the fourth largest metropolitan area in the U.S.—offers access to a diverse and dynamic arts culture. With internationally renowned companies like Houston Grand Opera and local organizations including Opera in the Heights, Ars Lyrica, and Mercury Chamber Orchestra, opportunities abound to learn from and participate in the Houston concert and opera scene.