Nathan Gunn to Head Council to Commission New Operas

A renowned lyric baritone and University of Illinois voice professor will lead an effort to commission and perform new American operas.

Nathan Gunn has been appointed the director of the recently formed American Repertoire Council of the Opera Company of Philadelphia. Gunn will serve as artistic advisor to two composers in residence … and star on one of the new operas already commissioned by the council. It’s a work based on Charles Frazier’s best-selling novel “Cold Mountain”, with music by Pulitizer-Prize winning composer Jennifer Higdon.

Gunn’s appointment with the American Repertoire Council was announced in Philadelphia last week. At a news conference, he called the new position “a privilege.”