Hodgson School alumnus onstage in Copland's The Tender Land

One of our favorite, young Hodgson School of Music alumni, tenor Joseph Brent continues his quest as a performer and artist in the Michigan Opera's production of Copland's The Tender Land:

The Tender Land is the quintessential American opera composed by Aaron Copland, the Dean of American composers. His music is readily recognizable and speaks of the American landscape. The opera is about a traditional, humble, rural 1930s family suspicious of outsiders and their morals. When two worldly drifters arrive seeking work on the Moss family farm, their daughter Laurie, about to graduate from high school, falls in love with one of them and is torn between her roots and her desire to explore the world. In 1971, David DiChiera mounted a major revival that was conducted by the composer. The March 2016 performances are based on the MOT production.

The New York Times Vivian Schweitzer wrote that the 1930s setting “seems uncannily relevant: Contemporary America is still often touted as a place whose small-town heartland, inhabited by plain-spoken, wary and conservative folk, is framed by cities teeming with deviants and elitists.”

Truly inspiring to see former students pursing their dreams, whether it's accounting, the medical profession, politics or any of the hundreds of fields where UGA students make their mark. That being said, becoming a professional opera singer stands apart even from the usual level of extraordinary accomplishment, and Brent has been honing his craft since his days on campus. His success speaks to his talent, drive and his training at the Hodgson School under the caring tutelage of Frederick Burchinal, among others. Great job, Joe, and much luck in your continued success.