PREACHING TO THE CHORUS

DMMO celebrates a milestone anniversary for Lisa Hasson, Chorus Director and Director of the Frank R. Brownell III Apprentice Artist Program

BY JOSHUA BORTHS

Lisa Hasson, DMMO’s Irene Graether Chorus Director and Director of the Apprentice Artist Program, started her tenure at DMMO as a last-minute staff replacement. “I never called. I never auditioned. I just kind of slipped through the back door.”

Looking back on that first season, Hasson says, “It was a bit of a shock. I came in expecting to be intimidated by Robert Larsen, but he and I took to each other immediately.” Since that serendipitous summer, “I’m really proud of myself. I changed and grew as the company changed. When I started, I never dreamed it was the beginning of this long, stunning relationship.”

This summer Hasson celebrates her 20th anniversary with the company and says that coming to DMMO each year has become more than a job. “My kids referred to it as their Iowa house… and I’m incredibly lucky that the company has always supported me. A generation before, I think artists felt like they couldn’t live this life and have a family. They had to choose—especially women.” Sometimes, productions have even become family affairs. “I will never forget it. During Romeo and Juliet, my husband was the fight choreographer, and my kids—who were eight— were really into sword fighting. During a rehearsal, Alexander ran over to Brian and said, ‘That’s wrong. Tybalt wouldn’t do that. He would put up more of a fight.’ They restaged the scene!”

During Hasson’s tenure, the Apprentice Artist Program has grown immensely, gaining national prominence for training, promoting and launching major talent. “I’m extremely proud of the level of the Apprentice Artist Program. There is a long list of singers who go on to big programs, competitions and careers. The program has become a destination for impresarios, agents and companies across the country.”

When asked how the program has been able to grow while similar companies have struggled in the constantly shifting landscape of American opera, Lisa’s eyes brighten. “It’s everything that surrounds us. The people who work at DMMO are friends more than colleagues. It’s a harmonious thing. People care about each other, and everyone has the singers’ interest at heart.”

Over the course of 20 years, Lisa has been a beloved fixture at DMMO, and her leadership and talent has been instrumental in the elevation of the company, nurturing an environment where singing, camaraderie and artistry grows.