Thor Steingraber, Director

Biography

As a young American stage director, Thor Steingraber has already been associated with major opera companies throughout the United States including the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Los Angeles Opera, Santa Fe Opera, and New York City Opera.

He is a resident at the Lyric Opera of Chicago where he has beeen associated with nearly 20 productions since 1995. In the current season he directed La Traviata and began his post as Associate Director for Wagner's Ring Cycle, a undertaking that continues through 2005.

Steingraber also has a decade-long association with the Los Angeles Opera, the company that launched his career with new productions of I Capuleti e i Montecchi in 1999 and La Cenerentola in 2000. Both productions have received successive revivals in companies including New York City Opera, Minnesota Opera, Pittsburgh Opera, and the Hong Kong Arts Festival. Steingraber also staged two revivals of Le Nozze di Figaro and one of Nabucco for the Los Angeles Opera.

Steingraber has twice directed for the Santa Fe Opera. In 2000 he directed Le Nozze di Figaro, and his new production of Lucia opened the 2001 Season. Also in 2001, his new production of Don Giovanni was performed at the Pittsburgh Opera, Opera Pacific, and New York City Opera.

Amongst Steingraber's associations with other American companies, he is a regular at the Utah Opera (Fidelio, Madama Butterfly, and an upcoming Jenufa), the Pittsburgh Opera (most recently Elektra), and Chicago Opera Theater where he collaborated with playwright Tony Kushner and illustrator/designer Maurice Sendak in creating a double bill of 20th century Czech operas Comedy on the Bridge and Brundibar.

Steingraber's work as an acting coach is highly regarded amongst young and veteran singers alike. His associations with young artist programs around the country and most recently with the students at Indiana University provide him opportunity to refine his skills as an "actors' director" and teacher.

August 03

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