School of Music - Carl J. Ratner
Carl J. Ratner (2001)
Voice, Opera
B.M. Oberlin
M.A. Northeastern Illinois
D.M. Northwestern
He serves as Director of Opera and Associate Professor of Voice for the School of Music at Western Michigan University. His career includes over two decades as an opera stage director, including 15 years as Artistic Director of Chicago Opera Theater and Chamber Opera Chicago during which he presented performances of the repertoire's major works as well as premieres of new productions.
He has assisted directors at major opera houses including Covent Garden (London), the Metropolitan Opera, Munich Opera, San Francisco Opera, English National Opera, New York City Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Santa Fe Opera, and the Spoleto Festival in Italy, where he worked with eminent composer Gian Carlo Menotti.
He has been an educator at Northwestern and Northeastern Illinois, Program Director for the apprentice program of the Sarasota Opera, and Stage Director for the apprentice program of Des Moines Metro Opera.
A baritone, he has appeared in both opera and recital. Opera Canada reviewer Richard Covello wrote, "His performance as Puccini's [Gianni Schicchi] was a delight – charming, indeed lovable, and nicely sung, too!"
In 2005, he completed his Doctor of Music degree in vocal performance at Northwestern University. His education also includes an internship in opera production at The Juilliard School
Email: carl.ratner@wmich.edu