The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University is set to host an Opera Scenes Master Class featuring artists Tonya and Ryan McKinny.

On February 8, this talented husband-and-wife duo will collaborate with opera students from the Shepherd School at the Morrison Theater in Brockman Hall for Opera.

This masterclass offers a unique chance to experience a blend of skill, technique, and dramatic expression. It is part of the Aleko Endowed Master Class Artist Series.

The event will provide the audience with an inside view of the creative process as the McKinnys lead students through scenes from Wagner’s “Das Rheingold.” They will guide the students, offering feedback and helping them refine their performances, with a focus on both interpretation and technical skill.

Joshua Winograde, director of opera studies at the Shepherd School, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “This is a priceless opportunity for our students to work with such accomplished artists. Tonya and Ryan bring immense experience as performers, directors, and educators. Ryan’s extensive career in Wagnerian roles adds a unique dimension to the experience. Their ability to connect with young artists and help them discover deeper layers of storytelling, especially in such a complex repertoire, is truly inspiring.”

The evening’s program will showcase the first and last scenes of Wagner’s “Das Rheingold,” which is the opening opera in his renowned “Ring” cycle.

The opening scene will feature students Lucila Zavala (Woglinde), Hanna Frampton (Wellgunde), Isabelle Kosempa (Flosshilde), and Matan Gendelman (Alberich). The fourth scene will include Joseph Park (Wotan), Julia Holoman (Fricka), Elizabeth Kirkconnell (Freia), Edmond Rodriguez (Loge), Colin Miller (Froh), Tzvi Bat Asherah (Donner), William Dopp (Fasolt), and Garrett Reider (Fafner). The evening’s music will be accompanied by Bethany Self, principal coach of opera studies, and Alex Munger, lecturer in vocal coaching, who will serve as pianists for the performance.