April 21, 2016—Eric Mentzel, associate professor of voice at the University of Oregon, has been awarded a grant by the prestigious DAAD (Deustcher Akademischer Austauschdienst, or German Academic Exchange Service) to support teaching this term in Germany.

 

Mentzel is currently a guest professor at the Staatliche Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst (State University of Music and Performing Arts) in Stuttgart, through July of 2016. 

 

In addition to offering private vocal coachings with an emphasis on historical performance practice, Menzel’s seminar The Birth of Bel Canto traces the growth and development of opera from the emergence of new solo vocal genres around the year 1600. 

 

Mentzel will also direct an ensemble of singers and instrumentalists for a concert at Stuttgart’s Wilhelma Theater.

 

In December, Eric Mentzel was named artistic director of the Seattle-based Medieval Women’s Choir. Since its founding 25 years ago, the 50-voice ensemble has been a significant presence in the vibrant Seattle early music scene, performing for sell-out crowds at St. James Cathedral as part of its yearly subscription series. 

 

Mentzel succeeds the founding director, Margriet Tindemans, who passed away at the beginning of 2015.