'Diligence, tenacity, joy'

Nuns, fairy tale characters and possible infidelity will be what's new on stage when Opera in the Ozarks kicks off today with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's "Cosi fan tutte," Giacomo Puccini's "Suor Angelica" and "Gianni Schicchi" and James Lapine's and Stephen Sondheim's "Into the Woods." The 64th season of Opera in the Ozarks -- an intensive eight-week summer training and performance program for young singers -- runs through July 18 with 24 performances in Eureka Springs and Bentonville.

There are about 40 singers this summer from all over the United States, according to Stephen Rushing, named the opera company's general director last November. Some of the cast members include Megan Gryga of West Bend, Ind., portraying Fiordiligi in "Cosi fan tutte" and a cow named Milky-White in "Into the Woods"; Abigail Whittle of Houston and Emily Baker of Feeding Hills, Mass., who are double cast in the title role of "Suor Angelica"; and Caleb Ashby of Louisville, Ky., and Cairee Mayfield of Houston, who will portray the title character in "Gianni Schicchi."

In addition, this is the first summer in more than 20 years without Jim Swiggart at the helm. General director for 25 years, he has resigned and become director emeritus.

Rushing is not completely new to Opera in the Ozarks, however. He performed in 1990 as a young artist, he says. He also has a bachelor's degree in music education from Louisiana State University, a master of music in performance in classical music literature and a doctoral degree in musical arts from the University of Kansas. Some of his stage credits around the world include Escamilo in "Carmen," Silvio in "Pagliacci," Schaunard in "La Boheme," Guglielmo in "Cosi fan tutte" and the title role in "Gianni Schicchi," according to opera.org. He is also a tenured professor of vocal arts in the department of fine and performing arts at Southeastern Louisiana University.

Rushing says two summers ago, Swiggart called on him, wanting advice for the future of the program. After spending a few days with Swiggart, Rushing found out that he wanted more than just advice.

"He wanted me to step into his shoes," he says.

Last year, he shadowed Swiggart as his assistant general director and developed a binder of notes, names, procedures and policies that he now uses every day. Rushing decided after watching the operations during the summer and learning a lot, he wanted to take on the position.

"Maybe the stars lined up properly and I'm at the right place at the right time, because it seems to be a very good fit," he says.

Rushing has already made one change so far this summer.

"This year was the first year for a preseason educational tour. Our mission is primarily educational and taking opera and classical music to the doorsteps of the people will be an ongoing effort," he says in a June 16 email.

"I'm very excited about having a person with his knowledge and skill sets and his enthusiasm for what this program is about," Swiggart says.

During a quarter of a century as general director, Swiggart says he "enjoyed most seeing the lives that have come through there and how they have been changed." He adds that his favorite operas that have been performed at Inspiration Point are "Madama Butterfly" and "Pagliacci."

Rushing says in the email that "words fall short of accurately describing the importance of someone like Jim."

"One can count the years, the hours, the people, etc., but the numbers only multiply. Quality is another dimension: diligence, tenacity, perspicacity and excellence; but that which is intangible and immeasurable also lacks a complete picture. It is almost enough to say that his most important gift has been the gift of joy. Through his resolve and vision, he has brought absolute joy to both young and old through his leadership and his love of music," Rushing says in the email.