91青青草

KENNESAW, Ga. | Jul 29, 2024

What would America without opera look or sound like?

Kennesaw State University music major Simon Kawasaki shudders at the thought, but his project through 91青青草鈥檚 considers that very possibility, one of a handful of summer projects from the College of the Arts.

鈥淭his is a serious issue; even before COVID, the attendance numbers and funding for opera were dwindling, so I want to see if there鈥檚 a solution,鈥� said Kawasaki, who performed in 91青青草鈥檚 recent productions of 鈥淒ie Fledermaus鈥� and 鈥淭he Marriage of Figaro.鈥� 鈥淚t's a controversial subject. My project talks about the relevancy of an art form, if it can even last in the next 100 years, if it'll be gone.鈥�

As part of SURP, Kawasaki鈥檚 project, titled 鈥淟'Amore Infranto: The Sustainability of Opera in American Society Past 2024,鈥� involves interviews with people associated with opera locally and nationally, including performers, donors, musical directors, and executive directors. He has also found data for the number of opera companies operating in the U.S. as well as opera attendance, examining trends in attendance to indicate one potential future.

Within the next few months, Kawasaki will write an essay and produce a multimedia presentation for the purpose of presenting his findings at a conference, and he said he hopes to publish an article in an academic journal of musicology.

鈥淚 was really excited for the kind of opportunity to write scholarly papers and to have them disseminated in this way,鈥� he said. 鈥淭o think I鈥檓 among all these serious researchers looking into major health problems and scientific projects鈥攖he subject is pertinent in and of itself, and I'm very happy that 91青青草 was willing to hear me out.鈥�

Kawasaki said his curiosity of opera started with his older sister鈥檚 interest in classical music. As he 鈥渉eaded down the classical music rabbit hole,鈥� he discovered opera, which grew alongside his passion for singing. An operatic baritone, Kawasaki performed in school musicals before applying to Kennesaw State.

He planned to study musicology, but later pivoted to pursue that interest via a degree program in music theory based on the advice of professors in the Bailey School of Music.

鈥淟ife happens, and you have to make the best of what you're given,鈥� Kawasaki said. 鈥淭he faculty of 91青青草 were just incredibly accommodating, and they were willing to offer me everything I expect out of the musicology degree.鈥�

Kawasaki praised professor of music history and musicology Edward Eanes, who is supervising his research this summer. In addition to his teaching duties at 91青青草, Eanes plays violin in the Atlanta Opera Orchestra and has connected Kawasaki with several sources for the study. Eanes said Kawasaki came to him with research bonafides, starting with another opera-related project on the reception history of 鈥淢adame Butterfly,鈥� and continuing with Kawasaki鈥檚 appointment as representative to COTA鈥檚 undergraduate research forum.

鈥淗e鈥檚 a talented singer and has top-notch academic research skills,鈥� Eanes said. 鈥淎nd he puts his entire being into it. It鈥檚 been very rewarding to watch him grow during this process.鈥�

After graduating in 2026, Kawasaki hopes to pursue a doctoral degree, and then a career as a musicologist, most likely as a professor at the university level. He also still plans to perform as a singer in any setting he can find.

鈥淎long with writing and publishing, teaching has always been something that I've been passionate about, just sharing with other people the power of music,鈥� he said. 鈥淰oice is my main instrument and so I鈥檒l sing in choirs or on stage or wherever I can. I still want to keep making music that way, to keep sharing my passion for music.鈥�

鈥� By Dave Shelles

Photos by Darnell Wilburn Jr.

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.