Position:
Professor Emeritus, Voice
Email:
jsheats@su.edu
Conservatory Professional Highlights:
At the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival in Orkney Springs, he sang the tenor role in Beethoven’s 9th Symphony for two seasons, one of which was telecast on Public Television, William Hudson conducting the Fairfax Symphony.
President of the Virginia Chapter of the National Teachers of Singing for 2 terms, as well as State Governor for 2 two-year terms.
Chairman of the Voice Division for 10 years.
After beginning teaching at Shenandoah he returned to Europe to make a recital debut in London’s Wigmore Hall.
Made his Kennedy Center debut with the Paul Hill Chorale, singing the title role in Beethoven’s Christ on the Mount of Olives, followed by the tenor role in Messiah, then the C Major Mass also by Beethoven.
Made his German debut at the Koblenz Operette auf dem Rhein in 52 performances of The Merry Widow, followed by 20 other leading tenor roles on the opera stages of Germany .
Made his debut at the Cologne Chamber Opera in the West German premiere of Benjamin Britten’s The Beggar’s Opera playing the role of MacHeath.
Educational History:
B.A., Columbia College