It's Official - Illumination Opera is Tax Exempt!

This is a red letter day for Illumination Opera because we just received our letter from the I.R.S. granting us tax exempt status. Contributions will be deductible for our donors which is a very big deal for our organization. Receiving this letter makes all the work in preparing the application worth the effort. Now it is time to roll up our sleeves and look for patrons...

Meet Our Director!

Nancy Leinonen Howells, soprano, is noted as a singer in the greater Boston area. She has made solo appearances with the Boston Cecilia, Assabet Valley Mastersingers, Mass Theatrica, and with the Theater at Old South, where she appeared as Linda in the premiere of The Diet Monologues by playwright Monica Bauers. While in Michigan, Nancy sang the roles of Cathleen in Riders to the Sea and Nella in Gianni Schicchi with the Bay View Summer Opera. With the University of Michigan Opera Theatre, she sang roles in two casts of Suor Angelica, and with Central Michigan University she sang the role of Fiordiligi in Cosí fan tutte. Additional roles have included both First Lady and Second Lady in The Magic Flute; and Frasquita in Carmen. Nancy also performed as vocal soloist with the Central Michigan University Symphony, the Northeastern Michigan Symphony, and the University of Michigan Percussion Ensemble. Opera studies included work with Ken Cazan and Arden Hopkin; principal teachers include Mary Stewart Kiesgen, Martha Sheil and Dan Sullivan. While completing the doctorate at the University of Michigan's opera program, Nancy taught voice and co-taught vocal pedagogy for the Uof M School of Music. Presently a faculty member at Indian Hill Music, Dr. Howells also teaches private voice in her home studio, and in an after school music program at Weston High School.