KU opera professor named finalist for the 2024 American Prize
LAWRENCE — Stella Markou, soprano, opera director and Voice area coordinator for the University of Kansas School of Music, has been selected as a finalist for The American Prize in Directing — The Charles Nelson Reilly Prize (college/university opera division).
Markou has been nominated for two shows she directed at the School of Music during the 2023-24 season, "The Turn of the Screw" and "L'incoronazione di Poppea." She is the only finalist to appear twice on the list.
About The American Prize
Unique in its scope and structure, The American Prize is the nation's most comprehensive series of contests in the performing arts. Now in its 14th year, the American Prize is awarded annually in many areas of the performing arts. For more information, please visit The American Prize website.
About Stella Markou
Hailed as "exquisite" by Gramophone, Greek-American soprano Stella Markou performs internationally as a soloist in oratorio, opera and on the concert stage. She has been a featured guest artist with the Edinburgh Contemporary Musical Ensemble, the Consulate General of Greece, Union Avenue Opera, Masterworks Chorale, Nassau Music Society, Paros Festival, Dance New Amsterdam Company, American Chamber Chorale, University of Nevada Las Vegas Concert Series, Ambassadors of Harmony and the Nashville Ballet. She is a nationally recognized director of opera and musical theater and serves on the faculty of the Festival of International Opera.