معرفی
Kristin Kenning serves as Professor of Voice and Director of Samford Opera within Samford University's School of the Arts, Division of Music. She leads the Samford Opera Workshop and directs full-scale productions while teaching voice and opera workshop courses.
Her educational credentials include:
- Bachelor of Music from Western Michigan University
- Master of Music from University of Minnesota
- Doctor of Musical Arts from University of Minnesota
Professor Kenning specializes in opera performance and direction, voice pedagogy, and new musical works development. Her artistic practice bridges classical training with contemporary creation, emphasizing theatrical storytelling through vocal performance. She champions emerging composers through initiatives like Atlanta Opera’s 24-Hour Opera Project, where she won competitions in 2013 and 2016.
Her artistic achievements include:
- 1st place in National Opera Association's Collegiate Scenes Competition (2020, Cleveland)
- 1st place in National Opera Association's Collegiate Scenes Competition (2018, New Orleans)
- 2nd place/finalist in six additional Collegiate Scenes Competition cycles
- Winner of National Opera Association’s Dominick Argento Chamber Competition (2019) for The Ghosts of Gatsby
- 2nd place in Opera Production Competition for The Ghosts of Gatsby
As an educator, Kenning mentors voice students who achieve success in musical theatre, opera, church music, and teaching careers. Her graduating seniors consistently gain admission to elite graduate programs including Eastman School of Music, Royal Academy of Music, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Indiana University, and Boston Conservatory. She also directs for Opera Viva's young artist program in Verona, Italy.
Professor Kenning spearheads major commissioning projects including The Ghosts of Gatsby (2018 premiere) and the upcoming Dragon’s Breath (fall 2023 premiere), both created with composer Evan Mack and librettist Joshua McGuire. These works toured Alabama and were presented at Opera America's New Works Forum in New York City.
