Dr. Everett McCorvey is Opera Columbus’ Inaugural Principal Guest Conductor
Everett McCorvey with the orchestra for OC’s Carmen (Terry Gilliam)
By Kelsi Moore, marketing director for Opera Columbus
Dr. Everett McCorvey is an internationally recognized conductor, singer and professor. In February 2024, he joined the Opera Columbus team as its inaugural principal guest conductor. He’ll be conducting Opera Columbus’ production of The Threepenny Opera at the Southern Theatre, Nov. 22 and 24.
Kelsi: What is your artistic background?
Everett: I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in music from the University of Alabama, where I continued my studies with my vocal professor to obtain a Master’s Degree in vocal performance. During my master’s program, I developed a strong interest in choral conducting and began taking classes alongside my vocal studies. After completing my degree, I moved to New York, where I freelanced for about five years. Later, I returned to the University of Alabama to pursue a Doctorate in voice and musical arts. Today, I teach voice at the University of Kentucky and have led their opera program since 1997.
In 1995, I founded the American Spiritual Ensemble, which will celebrate its 30th anniversary this year, having performed over 600 concerts, including 20 tours of the United States and 17 tours of Spain. My work has taken me around the world, including performances at the Metropolitan Opera and Carnegie Hall. Nationally, I serve on the Sullivan Foundation board of trustees. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’ve loved every moment of it!
Everett McCorvey with Columbus singer Anabella Petronsi at OC All-Star Master Class Concert (Terry Gilliam)
Kelsi: What is your artistic process?
Everett: Opera has been my world for 30 years! I am deeply familiar with operatic scores, pieces and traditions. For me, everything starts with listening to opera. I travel across the country to major music festivals and opera companies to discover new singers. I pride myself on being a talent scout, dedicated to creating opportunities for emerging artists. As a conductor, my role involves studying the score—a process that takes about two months. Conducting is like solving a complex math problem, and it’s my responsibility to break down that puzzle and convey it clearly to the singers and orchestra. With my background as both a singer and a teacher, I understand what singers need to perform at their best, and I work to help them express themselves as freely and authentically as possible.
Kelsi: What inspires you?
Everett: Talent inspires me. There’s nothing more moving than meeting someone who looks like you or me, and then hearing them sing—when something incredibly beautiful flows from their voice and soul. It’s a joy I’ve cherished my entire life. I am in awe of those gifted with talents of all kinds, from music to sports to medicine and beyond.
Kelsi: What is your favorite restaurant in Columbus?
Everett: I absolutely loved dining at Barcelona, a Spanish restaurant in German Village. Their paella is truly amazing!
Kelsi: What does being a principal guest conductor mean?
Everett: One thing I’ve learned in life is that the arts thrive on relationships. As a principal guest conductor, you build a connection with an opera company that extends beyond a single season—it’s a commitment to a long-term partnership. In this role at Opera Columbus, I wear many hats: conducting, collaborating on artistic planning with Julia, the general director and CEO, teaching music classes, working closely with singers in Columbus, and much more.
Everett McCorvey speaking with students who attended OC’s Carmen (Terry Gilliam)
Kelsi: You are OC’s inaugural principal guest conductor. Why Opera Columbus?
Everett: When I first connected with Opera Columbus, my relationship with Julia and her exciting vision for opera became a key part of my journey. I knew I had found an artistic home where I could truly contribute my talents, and I am thrilled to serve as the inaugural principal guest conductor. Opera Columbus remains dedicated to fostering diverse perspectives, staying attuned to the evolving needs of the art form and adapting to these changes. Their work is gaining recognition on every level—locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
See Dr. Everett McCorvey in action on Nov. 22 and 24, 2024 at the Southern Theatre in The Threepenny Opera. Tickets start at only $17. For more information, please visit OperaColumbus.org/Threepenny.
This article is part of a bi-weekly column brought to you by the Greater Columbus Arts Council as part of the Art Makes Columbus campaign. Explore a calendar of events, public art database and artist stories at columbusmakesart.com. To learn more about GCAC grants visit gcac.org.