UCO Opera Director Stars with Italian Superstar Marcello Giordani

January 25, 2008

University of Central Oklahoma Opera Director, Dr. Kevin Eckard, will share the stage with Metropolitan Opera star tenor Marcello Giordani and Metropolitan Opera diva Kallen Esperian in the Wichita Grand Opera's production of "La Boheme," at 3 p.m., Feb. 3 in Wichita, KS.

Eckard has been cast to play the role of Schaunard in the production.
"It's a great role opposite two amazingly talented artists," said Eckard. "And it's such a thrill to be in this production as it marks Giordani's exclusive performance outside of the Met this season."

Eckard has performed frequently throughout the United States, as well as in Italy, Austria and Great Britain. He has performed as a soloist with the International Choir Festival in Chester, England, the Denver Opera, the Colorado Symphony, the National Repertory Orchestra, the Boulder Philharmonic, the Indianapolis Symphony, the Augusta Opera and the Opera Carolina.

Among his many operatic credits, he has performed the roles of Boris Godunov in "Boris Godunov," Raimondo in "Lucia Di Lammermoor,Ó Budd in "Albert Herring," Don Magnifico in "La Cenerentola," Monterone in "Rigoletto," Masetto in "Don Giovanni," Micha in "The Bartered Bride," Secret Policeman in "The Consul," Don Alfonso in "Cosi fan tutte," Dulcamara in L'elisir d'amore" and Father in "Hansel and Gretel."

For tickets to the Wichita Grand Opera, call the box office at (316) 262-8054 or go online at www.selectaseat.com

Page updated 1/31/08