A University of Kentucky alumnus who recently took home one of the five coveted winning spots in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions returned to his alma mater Thursday to offer students a few lessons on making their voices heard.
Reginald Smith began singing as a child, but it wasn’t until hearing Puccini’s Tosca that it all clicked. Now, the 2013 choral education and vocal performance grad has gone on to acclaim in multiple opera competitions.
"Sometimes I call Reggie an old soul because he came here ready to work. He had a vision for what he wanted to do," UK Opera Theatre director Everett McCorvey remembers.
As for the Met award, in many ways it virtually guarantees a career in opera.
"I think he's going to be an excellent addition to the opera world," McCorvey adds.
Smith performed as part of a masterclass at the Singletary Center Thursday.
