Program Overview

Introduction to the Portland State University Opera Program

The Portland State University Opera Program is nationally renowned for its innovative and fully staged productions, successful alumni, and an extraordinary faculty who teach from decades of career experience as successful singers. Alumni from this program have been Grammy Award Winners, National winners for the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, and singers with international careers including houses like Covent Garden, the Salzburg State Theater, the Frankfurt opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the Metropolitan Opera.

Build a Foundation For Your Career

Study with faculty who have been successful in the field of concert and opera. Participate in regular masterclasses with visiting artists who are enjoying international careers. Undergraduate students often perform lead roles in our productions, a rarity in collegiate Opera programs.

Performance Opportunities

We are the only college in the Northwest to present two fully staged operas per year, plus an opera scenes workshop to an enthusiastic and robust community of opera lovers. Our productions are designed, built, and directed by distinguished artists in the profession of opera, allowing our students the same professional mentoring as the top conservatories throughout the nation.

Upcoming Productions

• Nov. 29 - Dec. 7, 2025 - "The Eleanors"
• Apr. 17-26, 2026 - "Cosi Fan Tutte"

Vocal Studies

Vocalists enrolled in the PSU Voice program can choose from multiple degrees and a wide range of ensembles in which to grow and perform.

Successful Alumni

PSU Opera alumni have led amazing voice careers on the best stages around the world.

Program Director

Kelley Nassief has been critically acclaimed for performances on operatic, symphonic, and recital stages across the globe. As an alum of Portland State University, she is excited to bring her knowledge and experience back to the next generation of students.

Awards and Recognition

• 2nd place winner of the Nat'l Opera Assoc. Competition in Division IV for "The Merry Widow"
• 3rd place winner of the Nat'l Opera Assoc. Competition in Division IV for "The Magic Flute"

Support for the Opera Program

Donations to PSU's Opera program provide scholarships for students and the funds needed to continue offering outstanding, full-length operas for Portland's diverse community.