James Allbritten

Teacher, conductor and singer James Allbritten works closely with emerging professional artists in the School of Music and the A.J. Fletcher Opera Institute. A respected mentor and conductor, he plays a vital role in preparing the next generation of opera performers through intensive production work and performance training.

In addition to his work at UNCSA, Allbritten served as both General and Artistic Director of Piedmont Opera, a position he held for over 20 years. He continues to serve as Principal Conductor of the Opera Theatre of the Rockies Vocal Arts Festival, a role he has held since 2000, and previously conducted the Winston-Salem Symphony Chorale from 1996 to 2006. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with major companies including Opera Theatre of the Rockies and Opera Theatre of St. Louis.

A dedicated educator, Allbritten is a multiple recipient of the UNCSA Excellence in Teaching Award (2001, 2008, 2013) and was honored with the Kenan Institute Class Act Award for Teaching Excellence in 2013.

I believe in the Socratic Method of learning. I always teach by asking each student questions. This helps them own the information and teaches them to think critically.

James Allbritten

Credentials 

• General and Artistic Director of Piedmont Opera, 2009-present
• Principal Conductor Opera Theater or the Rockies Vocal Arts Festival, 2000-present
• Conductor, Winston Salem Symphony Chorale, 1995-2001

Career Highlights 

• Puts' "Silent Night," Piedmont Opera
• Mozart's "Le nozze di Figaro," Opera Theatre of the Rockies
• Guettel's "The Light in the Piazza," Piedmont Opera
• Rodgers and Hammerstein's "The King and I," Opera Theatre of the Rockies
• Wagner's "Der fleigende holländer," Piedmont Opera
• Verdi's "Un ballo in maschera," Piedmont Opera
• Puccini's "Turandot," Piedmont Opera

Awards, Recognitions and Honors 

• UNCSA Excellence in Teaching, 2013
• Kenan Institute Class Act in Teaching Excellence, 2013
• UNCSA Excellence in Teaching, 2009
• UNCSA Excellence in Teaching, 2004

Organizations

• Opera America
• College Music Society