Madison Opera Appoints Anthony Cao as Chorus Master

Madison, Wis. – When the Madison Opera Chorus began music rehearsals for their upcoming performances of Rossini’s Cinderella on March 12, they had a happy surprise: Anthony Cao, who has been interim chorus master since fall 2010, has been officially appointed to the position, effective withCinderella. As interim chorus master, Cao has conducted the chorus in The Marriage of Figaro, La Traviata, Opera in the Park 2011, and Eugene Onegin. He also sang the role of the Messenger in La Traviata. Cao succeeds Andy Abrams, who resigned to pursue his career as a composer.

“Anthony is an enormously gifted musician, with a beautiful singing voice of his own,” says John DeMain, Madison Opera Artistic Director. “The chorus will be in superb hands, and I look forward to a long and productive relationship with him.”

Cao received his Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Music Education from U.W.-Madison, where he was named winner of the annual student concerto competition. He also won the National Association for the Teachers of Singing auditions in 2000 and 2001. Cao has worked as a guest clinician and composer with choirs throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest and also stays active as a pianist /vocalist, including his all-request show every Saturday at The Ivory Room in downtown Madison. Cao has been director of choirs at Madison West High School since 2004 and artistic director of Madison Chamber choir since 2007.

General Director Kathryn Smith says, “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Anthony this year. It’s a pleasure to watch him conduct the chorus, and I know that he will continue to build on their excellence as we go forward.”

Rossini’s Cinderella, set in 1930s Hollywood, will have performances on April 27 and 29, 2012 at Overture Hall. Opera in the Park will be held on July 21, 2012.

For more information, please contact Manager of Marketing and Community Engagement Ronia Holmes at holmes@madisonopera.org or 608.238.8085.

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