The world-renowned diva who calls Memphis home has accepted the position of Artist in Residence at the University of Mississippi's Department of Music for 2011-2012.
Department chairman Charles Gates says he's "pleased and excited" to confirm Kallen Esperian's appointment. Though they are still working out details for the job that starts in mid-August, he names a few areas in which the soprano will share her talent and wealth of experience. These include teaching master classes for voice students, as well as special-topics classes for all students, while also working with the Ole Miss Opera Theatre. Esperian's role will extend to scholarship fundraising, PR, and recruitment activities for the department and the university.
"We are certainly looking forward to working with Ms. Esperian, one of the great sopranos of our time," says Gates. The university will release more information about the appointment in August and highlight it in an upcoming newsletter
Esperian anticipates her new role with pleasure. "They have been so warm and welcoming there," she says, "and one of the perks is that Oxford is so close to Memphis."
