From TOLEDO OPERA
Toledo Opera has appointed Kevin Bylsma and James (Jim) Norman as co-artistic directors for the Toledo Opera.
“With their combined decades of opera experience, Kevin Bylsma and Jim Norman bring an exciting blend of knowledge and musical expertise to the artistic vision of Toledo Opera,” said Suzanne Rorick, executive director of the Toledo Opera.
“Kevin Bylsma is a highly-respected opera professional, collaborative pianist and opera coach, with his talents sought out by vocal artists across the country,” continues Rorick. “Jim Norman is one of the most experienced stage directors and production managers in this city. We are very fortunate to have two strong artistic leaders who are passionate about opera, Toledo Opera, and the greater Toledo community.”
Kevin Bylsma served as head of music preparation for Toledo Opera from 1997-2003. During that time, he was the rehearsal pianist and prepared adult and children choruses for all productions. At the invitation of Suzanne Rorick, he returned to the company in 2011 to reprise his role. Moving forward, he will maintain his responsibilities as head of music preparation while taking on the additional responsibilities of season planning, in collaboration with the executive director.
“Toledo Opera is my artistic home,” said Kevin Bylsma, co-artistic director and head of music preparation for Toledo Opera. “The chorus, staff and audience have become my family. I am immensely proud of our past accomplishments, and I look forward to working with Jim to bring emerging artists and exciting productions to everyone in our community.”
Jim Norman began with Toledo Opera as a chorus member, singing small roles between 1981-2000. He returned to the company in 2012 as the Opera’s production coordinator. He has performed with some of the industry’s leading artists and conductors of the time, including Robert Merrill, Renée Fleming, Constance Hauman, Irina Mishura, and Anton Coppola—all with Toledo Opera.
In addition to the responsibilities associated with his current position as director of production, including arranging for costumes, sets, contracts, and liaising with production-specific artists, Norman will take on season planning with executive leadership. In collaboration with Kevin Bylsma, he will also be responsible for selecting principal artists, designers, and directors for all Toledo Opera productions.
“I am very excited to expand my role with Toledo Opera and chart the artistic future of the company,” said Jim Norman, co-artistic director and director of production for Toledo Opera. “Toledo Opera has produced high quality operas since 1959, and Kevin and I are committed to extending that record of artistic excellence.”
Kevin Bylsma and Jim Norman worked alongside Suzanne Rorick and Jim Meena, Toledo Opera’s previous principal artistic director, for the past nine years in creating opera seasons for this region. The duo is credited with Toledo Opera’s 2020 production of “La Bohème” — an artistic success garnering sold-out audiences at the Valentine Theatre.
Toledo Opera’s 2021-2022 season marks the duo’s first complete season as co-artistic directors. The season includes “Il Trovatore” on Oct. 8 and 10, 2021, “Blue” on Feb. 11 and 13, 2022, and La Traviata on April 22 and 24, 2022. All performances will take place at the Valentine Theatre.
“The artistic direction of Toledo Opera will continue to be guided by industry trends,” said Rorick. “We are fortunate to have both Kevin and Jim with us because they embody Toledo Opera values and believe in the power of collaboration. Our artistic team will continue to seek a broad range of input and opportunities to co-create with our friends in the community.”
Bylsma is an associate teaching professor and coordinator of opera at Bowling Green State University.
