Ken Cazan

Ken Cazan is a full Professor, Resident Stage Director, and Chair of Vocal Arts & Opera at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music, where he has served since 2004. With over 180 international productions across opera, musical theatre, and plays, he specializes in directing world premieres and reimagining classic works for contemporary audiences.

His research and artistic practice centers on opera direction, singer-actor development, and libretto creation, with particular expertise in Benjamin Britten's works. Cazan has pioneered collaborations between institutions like the Sibelius Academy (Helsinki) and USC, and is recognized for integrating hip-hop, pop, and Latino musical elements into traditional opera frameworks.

• Grove Dictionary of Music induction (2017) citing his Britten expertise
• USC Thornton Excellence in Teaching and Service Awards
• San Francisco Opera Merola Program Outstanding Director (1982)
• Kent State University Outstanding Alumnus (2008)

Cazan mentors emerging artists through masterclasses at the Metropolitan Opera Young Artist Program, Juilliard, and Chautauqua Opera. His creative leadership spans major institutions including Teatro la Fenice (Venice), Santa Fe Opera, and Canadian Opera Company, with notable world premieres like AS ONE (2014) and All the Truths We Cannot See (2022).