JAMES R. McDONALD, Director of the German for Singers and Vocal Coaches program. Dr. James McDonald received a DMA degree from the University of Iowa and studied at the Hochschule für Musik in Munich, Germany as the recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship and a German Academic Service stipend. On three different occasions he studied in England at the Britten-Pears School for Advanced Musical Studies. The capstone of this experience was the opportunity to work with Sir Peter Pears, the famous English tenor and musical partner of Benjamin Britten, and Eric Crozier, CBE, librettist and stage director for several of Britten's operas.
As a performer, Dr. McDonald is known in Germany and England as well as in the United States. Highlights include performances at the International Handel Festival in Halle, Germany and with the Washington National Symphony under Rafael Fruebeck de Burgos at the Kennedy Center. He has regularly performed as a member of the Theater Chamber Players of the Kennedy Center. His opera experience include such varied roles as Albert in ALBERT HERRING, Nemorino in THE ELIXIR OF LOVE, Rev. Parris in THE CRUCIBLE, Ferrando in COSI FAN TUTTE and Rodolfo in LA BOHEME.
His teaching has regularly included both classroom work and private lessons. Several of his students have been winners of the Metropolitan Opera competition in New York City. He served 19 years at the University of Maryland, including several years as Chair of Voice/Opera, and 10 years as Professor of Voice at Indiana University. In 2005 Dr. McDonald joined the voice department at the New England Conservatory.
RUTH ANN McDONALD, Teacher and Coach Accompanist. Dr. Ruth Ann McDonald has been official pianist for the Belvedere International Vocal Competition, the Kennedy Center Rockefeller Competition, the National Association of Teachers of Singing national convention, and the Marion Anderson International Vocal Competition. She has coached students at the American Institute for Musical Studies in Graz, Austria, and three opera premieres at the Kammeroper in Vienna, Austria. Her doctorate from Catholic University is in vocal coaching and accompaniment. Recital appearances include performances with the Theater Chamber Players of Kennedy Center (Washington, DC), Leon Fleisher, Artistic Director, and singers Gordon Hawkins, Sir Peter Pears, George Shirley, Phyllis Bryn-Julsen, and her husband, James McDonald.
In 2005 Ruth Ann McDonald joined the voice department at the New England Conservatory.
BETTINA MATTHIAS is coordinator of German language instruction for the German for Singers program. An assistant professor of German at Middlebury College, she holds a Ph.D. from the University of Washington.
Weekends will have special activities, including guest residencies by prominent figures in the area of German vocal music. The guest Master Class teachers in recent summers have included:
CAROLYN HAGUE, Vocal Coach and Pianist from the Hochschule für Musik in Vienna. Currently the assistant to Robert Holl in Vienna, Ms. Hague has assisted Walter Berry and performed recitals with Mr. Berry and Angelika Kirchschlager.
KAMMERSÄNGERIN JULIE KAUFMANN, Bavarian State Opera, Munich. A professor at the Berlin Hochschule der Küenste, Ms. Kaufmann has enjoyed a 25-year career as a lyric coloratura with performances in Hamburg, London, and other cities at the leading opera houses of Europe.
MICHAEL PINKERTON, Artistic Director of STELLA, the largest musical production company in Europe. Formerly the principal soloist with the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, Mr. Pinkerton studied with Sir Peter Pears and Nicolai Gedda. With STELLA, he was artistic director of CATS, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, MISS SAIGON, and other shows.
DONALD SULZEN, Pianist with the Munich Piano Trio, has won national and international competitions, and has presented Master Classes throughout Europe and the United States, including the German for Singers program at Middlebury. He has toured Europe, Japan, South America, and the U.S. in concert, and has accompanied many of Europe's leading singers including Julie Kauffmann.
Administrative Staff
CHRISTINA ILGNER CARTWRIGHT, Coordinator of the German School
B.A. Middlebury College