Miami opera takes second in national competition

Miami University's production of Benjamin Britten’s “Paul Bunyan” won second place in the National Opera Association (NOA) opera production competition. 

Miami took second in Category III of the juried competition for small professional opera companies and opera training programs, including universities. A panel of judges chose the three winners for each category based on "blind" DVD submissions. 

The production, which took place in 2008, was produced by Mari Opatz-Muni, associate professor of music at Miami; conducted by Ben Smolder, associate professor of music at Miami; and directed by Eric Friedman. 

The award was presented Jan. 10 at the National NOA convention in Atlanta, Ga.