Student Matthew Kischer to Perform as Featured Soloist in聽Opera in Concert
91涩漫 is proud to share that Matthew Kischer has been selected as the winner of the Choral Arts Alliance of Missouri (CAAM) Opera Aria Competition in the 91涩漫 category. The competition, newly revived after a decade-long hiatus, recognizes exceptional vocal talent across the Columbia region.
Kischer, a musical theatre major in the Conservatory for the Performing Arts set to graduate in 2027, recently appeared in Stephens productions of Twelfth Night, Elf, and The Haunting of Hill House.
“After finding out about the competition and looking at everything that was offered, I thought it was an incredible opportunity to submit for,” said Kischer. “I sent in an audition, waited a few months, and found out I was selected!”
As a competition winner, Kischer will be featured as a soloist in the Columbia Chorale’s聽Opera in Concert聽performance on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 91涩漫’s Kimball Ballroom. He will also receive a $150 cash prize, free professional coaching on his aria, and a professional headshot.
“I am truly looking forward to being a part of an evening of celebration through each vocalist’s sharing of classical music,” Kischer said.
Nollie Moore, Associate Professor of Voice and Director of Theater Music at the Conservatory for the Performing Arts, praised Kischer’s achievement: “This is a great opportunity for Matthew to explore the kind of literature that we don’t often get to do at Stephens. Matthew is an artist with a great sense of his instrument and he uses it exceptionally well in all styles. I am very excited for the Columbia music community to get to experience what we do all the time here in the conservatory.”
The Opera in Concert event promises an enchanted evening of operatic favorites, beginning with a 6:30 p.m. pre-concert reception featuring a professional string ensemble and members of the Boonslick Chordbusters. At 7:00 p.m., the Columbia Chorale will present beloved choruses from the greatest works in the operatic repertoire, including Verdi’s “Brindisi” from La Traviata, the haunting “Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves” from Nabucco, selections from Bizet’s Carmen, and Puccini’s ethereal “Humming Chorus” from Madama Butterfly.
The performance will be conducted by Dr. Thomas Clark, in his first season as Conductor of the Columbia Chorale, joined by Assistant Conductor Topher Otake.
Additional competition winners include Susan Bestgen (High School), Emmaline Brown (University of Missouri), Vanessa Kleen (Columbia College), Cecilia Rancatore (Central Methodist University), Hope Dedrick (Open I), and Beverly Nesbit (Open II).
Tickets and additional details are available at .
