The Hartt School is proud to share that Dean Murphy '14, a distinguished alumnus and talented baritone, has been named a semi-finalist in the prestigious Operalia 2024 competition. This remarkable achievement highlights Murphy’s exceptional talent and dedication to the art of opera.
Operalia, founded by the legendary singer Plácido Domingo, is one of the most esteemed opera competitions in the world, attracting the finest young vocal talents from across the globe. This year, the competition was held at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Mumbai, India.
Murphy’s journey to the semi-finals is a testament to his hard work, passion, and the world-class education he received at The Hartt School. His selection as a semi-finalist places him among the elite young opera singers worldwide, showcasing his extraordinary vocal prowess and stage presence.
“We are incredibly proud of Dean’s accomplishment,” said Dale Merrill, Dean of The Hartt School. “His success at Operalia is a reflection of his immense talent and the comprehensive training he underwent while studying at Hartt. We wish him nothing but the best as he continues his inspiring journey in the opera industry.”
Murphy is currently a member of the ensemble at Deutsche Oper Berlin. In the 2024-2025 season, Dean will debut at The Royal Danish Opera as Figaro in Il Barbiere di Siviglia & Teatro La Fenice as Der Junge Herr in Weill's Der Protagonist. At Deutsche Oper Berlin, he will make three important role debuts: Enrico in Lucia di Lammermoor, Marcello in La Bohème, and Albert in Werther, in addition to returning to Figaro in Il Barbiere di Siviglia.
Murphy is a student of Vocal Studies faculty member Valerie Sorel. In reflecting back to his time at Hartt, Murphy says, "it was there where I really developed the love for Opera. I spent four years studying music and meeting other musicians. Those were the most exciting four years. I built a solid foundation and learned so much about the amazing art form of opera."