Tessitura Music Partners with Arch City Opera Project to Offer Opera Music & Performance Opportunities for Its Students
Amy Prince of Tessitura Music and Marc Schapman, Chair of the Music Department at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville accept the $5,000 Meridian Award from members of the Meridian Society.
Tessitura Music is a proud collaborator with SIUe Department of Music and Webster University Department of Music on the Arch City Opera Project. When first approached by SIUe Department of Music Chair Marc Schapman, it was clear that this opportunity would be the perfect fit for the students, families, and communities of Tessitura Music.
Together we applied for, and won, a prestigious Meridian Award in the amount of $5,000 as funding to start the Arch City Opera Project. We were well on our way to creating a unique and transformative opera experiences for the students and arts communities of Edwardsville and surrounding areas.
Meridian Awards are made possible through gifts from members of The Meridian Society. The purpose of these gifts is to support projects carried out by an SIUe department in conjunction with a community organization to benefit the SouthwesternIllinois community and, at times, communities beyond our region.
What is a Meridian Award?
Tessitura Music Strives to Provide Opportunities in Music & Theater for All Interests
At Tessitura Music, we provide a nurturing and inclusive environment where singers of all backgrounds can explore and develop their vocal abilities. Our approach emphasizes the importance of self-confidence, collaboration, and positive reinforcement, values that align with the mission of the Arch City Opera Project.
“Our goal has always been to find performance and educational opportunities for students exploring anything from Jazz, Songwriting, Piano Construction, and now, Professional Opera Performance. Our Tessitura Music community has always been a place where students and families can find opportunities in the Arts that they may not be able to find anywhere else.” - Owner Amy Prince
As a Tessitura Music Participant in the Arch City Opera Project, students will participate in masterclasses, workshops, private vocal coaching, voice lessons and experience the unique exposure to specialty classes such as stage combat, movement and careers in music. These experiences will undoubtedly help our students grow as performers, deepen their understanding of opera, and gain exposure to professional standards of vocal performance.
This year we selected two extremely talented students from Tessitura Music to participate in the Arch City Opera Main Stage Performance of Susannah by Carlile Floyd.
Students at Tessitura Music Participate in Arch City Opera Young Artist Project
Tenor, Ben Carlson, a student of Amy Prince for three years who previously explored the world of Professional Musical Theater, has found a new home in the World of Opera. His enthusiasm and stage presence bring honesty and energy to the opera stage.
Ben is a Lyric Tenor with an easy broad powerful range who effortlessly transforms into any character he is singing. Ben is an asset to the Arch City Opera Project Young Artist Program and a gift to have as a Representative of Tessitura Music.
Caitlin Towell is a former student of Amy Prince studying together for 5 years. Caitlin was Amy’s first voice student after moving to Edwardsville.
Caitlin recently completed her Masters in Music in Oklahoma and is now a regular instructor of voice and piano at Tessitura Music. Caitlin is a force to be reckoned with in her dedication and precision to performance preparation and execution.
Caitlin is a Lyric Soprano who does not back down to any vocal challenge thrown her way. Her full rich voice moves with ease and genuine expression. It is an honor to have her as both an instructor of Tessitura and a representative of Tessitura Music in the Arch City Opera Young Artist Program.
Alongside Ben Carlson and Caitlin Towell, Tessitura Music Owner Amy Prince is performing the role of Mrs. Gleaton in the Arch City Opera Project production of Susannah accompanied by her daughters Abigail Prince (11) and Adele Prince (9).
Abigail brings with her a background of previous Opera, Operetta and Musical Theater Performance that has taught her how to learn music with speed and accuracy. Abigail, a soprano, serves as an important member of the ensemble. Adele Prince is participating in her first opera performance. Adele will be showing off her Irish Dance skills as a featured dancer, a student of the O’Faolain Dance Academy in Edwardsville.
“Susannah has personally been one of my favorite American Operas,” states Amy Prince, owner, “and I am thrilled to be on the Production Team and Performing with my Students in this Professional Opera Production.” She reiterates that “ as a student of Tessitura Music, if you have ever felt an interest in Opera Performance, we have found a place for you to explore and thrive in that world!”
Arch City Opera brings the transformative power of professional opera to local communities, providing access to an art form that is often perceived as out of reach. Arch City Opera and Tessitura Music strive to promote a broader cultural enrichment through their commitment to inclusion, education, and community engagement.
As a local arts organization committed to fostering musical growth and community connection, Tessitura Music is proud to partner with Arch City Opera in this exciting and meaningful initiative. We firmly believe in the power of music and the arts to build bridges, enrich lives, and expand opportunities for personal and collective growth. We will bring the power of music to as many people as possible.
Susannah is a powerful American Opera sung in English that tells the story of a young woman in a small Southern community who is falsely accused and ostracized, exploring themes of judgment, innocence, and redemption.
Performances are Friday, May 29th and Saturday, May 30th at 7:30pm at Dunham Hall Theater on the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.