March 24, 2025
Story by Joe Vinduska
Courtesy photo submitted
Area vocalists will have the opportunity to collaborate and learn from University of Kansas Voice Professor Dr. Genaro Mendez as part of his masterclass at 11 a.m. April 11 in the Chapel in the Fine Arts Building, followed by a recital with Barton Guitar Instructor Aleia Gonzalez and Barton Director of Accompaniment Dr. Alejandro Avila from 5-6 p.m.
The masterclass portion will provide an enriching opportunity for students and community members to receive tutelage from a veteran vocal instructor. The masterclass and recital are both free and open to the public.
Mexican-American lyric tenor Méndez has a versatile and wide-ranging career as a leading operatic tenor, chamber and solo recitalist, and voice professor. As an oratorio and chamber music soloist, he has been featured in Orff’s “Carmina Burana,” Britten’s “Serenade for Tenor,” “Horn, and Strings,” and Handel’s “Messiah.” Other featured solo engagements have included the Martha’s Vineyard Music Festival, Bach Aria Soloists, Reno Chamber Orchestra, and the Reno Philharmonic.
A Nevada native, Genaro began his musical studies and performing career under the late master teacher of voice and Nevada Opera founder Ted Puffer. Under Maestro Puffer’s musical guidance, Genaro completed his undergraduate degree in voice from the University of Nevada Reno and performed in over 30 Nevada Opera productions in roles ranging from chorus member to comprimario to leading tenor. He continued his formal studies at the University of Illinois, where he performed on the 1990-1997 U.S. tour of the complete songs of Franz Schubert with world-renowned vocal coach John Wustman. He received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Oregon and studied under mezzo-soprano Milagro Vargas.
During his time at the University of Kansas, Genaro has established himself as a dedicated teacher of vocal technique, diction, and repertoire. The students from his studio have enjoyed numerous accolades, including placing in regional and national voice competitions and apprenticeships with opera companies across the country.
For more information, please contact Gonzalez at gonzaleza@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9289.