CCM Appoints Nicholas Muni to Opera Faculty

Dean Douglas Lowry is pleased to announce that the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) has appointed Nicholas Muni to the position of Distinguished Artist in Residence in Opera. Muni's appointment is effective immediately and coincides with the opening of UCs 2006-07 academic year (beginning Wednesday, September 20).

An internationally renowned stage director, Muni's career spans over 25 years and includes projects at opera houses throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. His appointment at CCM follows his tenure as Artistic Director of Cincinnati Opera (1996-2004), during which time that company experienced considerable growth, including a doubling of the company budget, expansion of the repertoire, and the relaunch of the company's Young Artist Program. Muni has earned significant media and industry recognition for his unique vision and adventurous work, including the 2003 Dora Award (Canada) for best opera production of the year (Jenufa for Canadian Opera Company), and the 2003 Post-Corbett Award (Cincinnati) for Artist of the Year.

"There are many reasons I am attracted to collaborating with such a top-notch institution as CCM: Doug Lowry's inspired leadership; talented, open-minded and engaged colleagues; high-level young artists and excellent facilities," says Muni. "But one of the most compelling is the way artistic exploration and freedom of expression are embraced. I am very much looking forward to my time at this great institution."

"In addition to his superb artistry, Nic brings to CCM Opera a rich and varied background in stage direction, opera company leadership and teaching," says Lowry. "He is viewed as an international force, and his intense interest in attaining the highest standards in opera performance will reap abundant rewards for our students."

Muni's affiliation with CCM began in 2002, when he was invited to conduct master classes for opera and directing students and to direct a new production of Robert Ward's The Crucible (winner of a National Opera Association award). Most recently, Muni directed CCM's February 2006 production of Benjamin Britten's Albert Herring to positive reviews; The Cincinnati Enquirer praised Muni's "fertile imagination [that] infused the evening with delightfully campy characterizations, punchy sight gags, and sassy acting choices."

At CCM, Muni will teach graduate level courses in opera acting and directing. He will also direct the school's Mainstage production of Jules Massenet's Werther (May 10-13, 2007), a Studio Series double-bill production of Chabrier's Une education manque and Milhaud's Le pauvre matelot, and future musical theater productions to be announced. In addition to the aforementioned projects, Muni will continue to work as a freelance stage director as well as an on-site evaluator and grants panelist with the National Endowment for the Arts.

"We are looking forward to having Nic join the CCM faculty," says Sandra Bernhard, CCM's J. Ralph Corbett Distinguished Chair of Opera. "Nic's contributions to CCM through teaching and directing have already made him an invaluable part of our training program. Together we cover the broad spectrum that creates today's opera world."

Adds Lowry, "With the combination of Nic and Sandra in our opera program, as well as our directing talent in drama and musical theater, CCM may just have the finest directing corps of any school in America."

For more information, please visit the CCM Web site at www.ccm.uc.edu. For a complete biography of Nicholas Muni, visit www.nicmuni.com.

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The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) is recognized both nationally and internationally as one of the leading conservatories for the performing arts and electronic media.

CCM also is the largest single source of performing arts events in Ohio with an annual calendar of nearly 1,000 performances and presentations, ranging from solo recitals to full-scale opera and musical theater performances.

Visit www.ccm.uc.edu for more information and a schedule of events.