Winners of The American Prize in DIRECTING, 2016-17 have been announced. Samuel Mungo
of Texas State tied for second Place for conceiving, producing and directing the world premiere of Mollicone’s Lady Bird, First Lady of the Land. The American Prize cites, “As Director of Opera Studies at Texas State University, he has created perhaps the most comprehensive undergraduate opera training program in the country.”
Mungo has directed professionally across the country and around the world. Past honors include Classical Performance of the Year for Rigoletto in San Antonio, and Opera Production of the Year from the National Opera Association. Professional directing credits include Die Entführung aus dem Serail for Florida Grand Opera, Suor Angelica for Opera Plovdiv, Gianni Schicchi at Stara Zagora Opera, Il Trovatore for San Antonio Opera, and Pirates of Penzance for Colorado Light Opera.