WWU Opera Production ties for second place in national adjudication

The May 2024 production of "The Anonymous Lover" by WWU Opera garnered a tie for second place in Division II in the National Opera Association's national opera production competition.

"Our students continue to blow me away," says director Heather Dudenbostel. "I’m so happy for their work to be recognized in this way!"

Two student's from Western's Dance program were also involved choreographing and performing.

84 entrants were divided into Undergraduate, I-IV, and Graduate levels, V-VIII, (based on predominant age group or training level of the cast) and then each level divided into divisions according to production size and budget. A total of 28 awards were given by the judges. The National Opera Association hosts the preeminent competition for collegiate opera productions in the United States.

"The Anonymous Lover" was directed by Heather Dudenbostel with Music Direction by Mark Davies. Mark Kuntz contributed the scenic and lighting design, and the costumes were designed by Marie Wildfield.

The WWU production was performed May 9 through 12 at the FireHouse Arts and Events Center in Bellingham, Washington.

The Anonymous Lover (L'amant anonyme) was created by Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges. The libretto is based on a play by Stéphanie Félicité de Genesis, which was adapted for opera by François-Georges Fouques Deshayes.