Trahan has performed with numerous orchestras including the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra, Akron Symphony and the Monroe Symphony Orchestra, among others.
Corey Trahan, director of the opera studio and instructor II of voice, has been chosen to join the esteemed faculty at the Tokyo Opera Studio in Japan and the Trentino Music Festival in Italy this summer.
Both programs offer exceptional opera performances alongside cultural immersion, offering participants world-class arts education and enriching experiences. Nine current TCU Opera students and alumni have also been invited to participate.
“The more I teach, the more I learn,” said Trahan. “These programs will allow me to lead masterclasses, teach lessons, observe rehearsals and attend performances. I learn as much from observing as doing and I have many opportunities to do both.”
Bridging Cultures and Opera in Japan
Before joining TCU in 2019, Trahan served as chair of musical theatre at Northwestern State University (NSU) in Louisiana. During his time there, he formed a strong friendship with Stefan Gordon and Michelle Lange, the founders of the Tokyo Opera Studio, who led NSU’s opera program at the time.
With over 85 roles in his repertoire, Trahan is an active performer, voice teacher, educator and stage director.
In 2020, Gordon and Lange relocated to Vienna, Austria, to establish teaching studios in Europe and Asia. This summer will mark the grand opening of the Tokyo Opera Studio, a two-week opera studio program designed for emerging artists.
In addition to serving as a faculty member, Trahan will also serve as stage director for Mozart’s “Die Zauberflöte” during the program.
“I’m most excited to collaborate with an international cast of young singers,” said Trahan. “I enjoy learning about their musical journey and unique cultures while contributing to their artistic development.”
The Tokyo Opera Studio emphasizes a blend of performance excellence and cultural immersion. This will be Trahan’s first time visiting Japan, and he looks forward to touring Tokyo’s temples, shrines, gardens and museums.
With only two weeks to rehearse and present performances, every participant must arrive well-prepared. While this rapid pace is typical for professional companies, it is much faster than what young artists experience in academic programs.
“The students are from around the world and will not all be native English speakers,” said Trahan. “Finding a way to communicate complex ideas in an abridged rehearsal process for an opera in German with English dialogue will certainly be a unique challenge.”
Joining World-Class Faculty at Trentino Music Festival
Following his time in Tokyo, Trahan will travel to Italy to teach voice at the Trentino Music Festival.
The festival, nestled in the mountains north of Venice, is a five-week program featuring opera, musical theatre, dance and orchestral performances, bringing together over 200 faculty and students from around the world.
Trahan in a scene from the opera “Le Nozze di Figaro.”
“I am most excited to work alongside such a high-caliber faculty,” said Trahan. “In reading their bios, I learned they perform, produce and teach in major international opera houses. I am truly honored to be part of such an impressive roster of industry professionals.”
When not teaching, Trahan plans to explore the rich cultural landmarks of Italy, including trips to Venice and the Arena di Verona, a 20,000-seat outdoor theatre renowned for its operatic performances featuring international stars.
“I’ll enjoy the periods of solitude where I can reflect on what TCU Opera has accomplished, what can be implemented to improve it, and strategize for the upcoming season.”
Help support TCU Opera students on their upcoming summer trips to Italy and Japan at the links below!