FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 10, 2005 - Sylvia Bierschenk

SFA vocal alumni perform at Houston Grand Opera

Five graduates of the Stephen F. Austin State University Department of Music's vocal program appeared in the Houston Grand Opera's recent production of "Il Trovatore" by Giuseppe Verdi. Jill Grove, center, sang the role of Azucena. Grove received her bachelor's of music education from SFA in 1990 and studied with Dr. David Jones. She is now an internationally known mezzo-soprano, appearing in leading opera houses such as the Metropolitan Opera in New York, Royal Opera in London, Welsh National Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Dallas Opera and Lyric Opera of Chicago. Surrounding Grove are other SFA alumni who are regular members of the Houston Grand Opera. They are, from left, Melody McMullen, who received her bachelor's degree in 1999 and studied with Dr. Deborah Dalton; Debra Alons, who received her master's degree in 1985 and studied with Dr. Cody Garner; Kathleen Manley, who received her bachelor's in 1989 and studied with Jones; and Clint McMullen, who received his bachelor's in 1999 and studied with Dalton.