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William Fred Scott, retiring Atlanta Opera
artistic director, will join the Brenau University on July 1 as
Artist-in-Residence and Founding Director of the newly forming Brenau
University International Opera Workshop.
"It's a perfect combination - Fred and
Brenau," said Lessie Smithgall, Brenau Trustee Emeritus, who has known
Scott for many years. "I think this is a great happening for Brenau,"
she continued.
Nationally and internationally-renowned
conductor, Scott is set to retire from his current position at the end
of April. He led the Atlanta Opera in 200 performances during his two
decade stint with the company, during which time it became one of the
fastest growing companies in the U.S.
In 1981, Scott was invited by Atlanta
Symphony Orchestra's Robert Shaw to serve as associate conductor of the
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra - from there he joined the Atlanta Opera.
Prior to his appointment to the Atlanta Symphony, he was associate
conductor and artistic administrator of the Opera Company of Boston
where he also served as principal coach and chorus master. Maestro Scott
has made guest appearances with opera companies and symphony orchestras
throughout the country and internationally.
Brenau University President Ed Schrader,
Ph.D., anticipates that during summer 2005 Scott will develop programs
for the training and pedagogy of performers of all ages and experience -
from qualified beginner voice to professional, including singing
teachers. "The Opera Workshop, with Fred at the helm, will be a major
vehicle for bringing culture and talent to Georgia and specifically to
Brenau," Schrader said.
Scott will support the Brenau faculty,
especially the music department in his areas of expertise, among them
operatic literature, artistic design and language. In the fall he will
be available to participate in performance courses as guest lecturer and
information resource for students. "It is time to take on new
challenges," Scott said, "time to write the next chapter in my life and
use my gift to help young people."
Scott and Schrader plan to look at what
music schools and conservatories across the country offer and assess
what niche they will fill with the new Opera Workshop. "It is in that
way we will be able to serve needs of young performers," said Scott. "It
is important that young performers have a place to come to learn all
components of the profession, to prepare students for what they will
need when they leave us. I don't quite know what the Workshop will look
like at this point but I'm not going to run an opera company - I've done
that."
Scott also says he is interested in
investigating musical pieces written for, by and about women, since he
will be working in a women's college environment. He looks forward to
making Baroque opera come alive in historic Pearce Auditorium.
Director of the Brenau Music Program
Michelle Roueché, Ph. D., is very excited to have someone of Scott's
stature and reputation on campus. "This is going to be a great
opportunity for our students and singers in the community. I observed
him give a master class here last fall and he was brilliant. His
knowledge of language and repertoire is unbelievable and as a teacher he
has the ability to draw excellence from the students." |
