Two Loyola opera productions took home awards after receiving three Big Easy Foundation nominations under the musical direction of Carol Rausch. The College of Music + Fine Arts Montage series production of Susannah won for Best Student or Community Opera, while The Touches of Sweet Harmony: A Gala Tribute to Ellen and Philip Frohnmayer won for Creative Acheivement in Opera.

Rausch is currently the chorus master, music coordinator, and education director for the New Orleans Opera Association. She also serves as chorus master and music administrator for the Chautauqua Opera's summer festival season in upstate New York, where she heads the music staff and oversees the nationally recognized apprentice program. She has been with the College of Music faculty since 1996.

Opera Nominations:

Best Student or Community Opera

• Les Mamelles de Tiresias
  Carol Rausch, Music Director
  Dugg McDonough, Stage Director
  Loyola Opera Theatre
  Loyola University, Nunemaker Auditorium

• Susannah
  Carol Rausch, Music Director
  Octavio Cardenas, Stage Director
  Loyola Opera Theatre
  Loyola University, Roussel Hall

Creative Achievement In Opera

• The Touches of Sweet Harmony: A Gala Tribute to Ellen and Philip Frohnmayer
  Carol Rausch, Pianist/Conductor
  Loyola University and The Frohnmayer Reunion
  Loyola University, Roussel Hall

Winners were announced at the 18th annual Tribute to the Classical Arts luncheon Thursday, Feb. 9, at the Hotel Monteleone. Read more about the  Big Easy Foundations 2012 Nominations in the Gambit Weekly>>