Michael Lee Performs with St. Louis Opera’s Artists in Training

Junior Michael Lee loves musical theatre. In his five years at Westminster, he has performed in countless productions, including A Raisin in Sun, Hauncho the Hamster, Into the Woods, Fiddler on the Roof, Alice in Wonderland Jr., and Meet Me In St. Louis.

Always looking for ways to improve himself, Michael auditioned for and was accepted into Opera Theatre St. Louis’ Artists in Training program for the 2018–19 school year. The program gives St. Louis-area high school students the opportunity to participate in weekly college-level voice lessons, perform in master classes and recitals, compete for $12,000 in scholarship funds, and experience  St. Louis’ vibrant opera community.

Over the course of the year, Michael worked with local voice coaches, as well as the internationally-acclaimed Christine Brewer and Morris Robinson. Mr. Robinson served as the judge for the program’s final recital, which was also an opportunity to receive scholarship money. Michael received the Maritz 2nd place award—a $1,000 scholarship he plans to put toward college.

While a career in opera may not be Michael’s dream, he’s developed a deep appreciation and admiration for it. “Learning how to sing operatic is so different from musical theatre. It helped grow my voice,” Michael says. “There’s so much I learned that I can apply to musical theatre.” He plans to audition for the Opera Theatre St. Louis program again next year as a senior.