51�鱨վ

By Sam McDonald

Thanks to big talent and hard work, the musical life of Kristiana Jones has already hit some memorable high notes.

In March of last year, the vocal performance major sang with the 51�鱨վ Concert Choir at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Then, over the summer, she took second place in a national singing contest in Tennessee.

What’s the next destination for this aspiring opera singer and 51�鱨վ junior?

Italy awaits.

Through an audition, Jones was selected for a two-week Musica Proibita Management Summer Opera Program in Bergamo, a city northeast of Milan. She’s preparing to sing the role of Susanna in the program’s production of Mozart’s “Le Nozze di Figaro.”

She’ll travel to Bergamo to begin her immersive musical and cultural experience in July.

One of her primary teachers at Old Dominion, Director of Vocal Studies Brian Nedvin, said that Jones is one of only three students to be accepted in this type of program during his 15 years at the university. He described her progress as exceptional. “And the joy that she feels when she sings is, for her, a freeing experience, and for the audience, a true delight,” he wrote.

Jones is aware of her gifts but craves growth and development.

“I look forward to this opportunity in Bergamo, because this is with full orchestra, and this is in full Italian,” she said. “I’m excited to study in Italy, I’ve never been out of the country before.”

Of course, the program comes with a price tag. MPM tuition is almost $4,000. While the Diehn School of Music is covering part of the cost, Jones organized to help pay expenses.

Traveling alone to Italy is a big leap for the Smithfield High School graduate. Her first time flying was to last year’s National Association of Teachers of Singing student singing competition in Knoxville, Tennessee.

“As long as I keep my head on straight, then it’s going to work out,” the student said. “You have to take risks in order to get somewhere in life, so this is just one of those risks that we're going to take with confidence.”

A Busy Spring

Preparing for Italy is not the only challenge on the young singer’s mind. On April 18 and 19, she’ll perform the role of Serafina in “Il Campanello di Notte” by Gaetano Donizetti, being staged at University Theatre by 51�鱨վ Opera. Tickets are available from .

The opera’s action centers on Serafina, a beautiful young woman about to marry a rich local pharmacist. She’s not the lead character, but she has her moments. “I get to stand on stage and look pretty,” Jones said, “and then, when I do sing, it’s super dramatic and over the top. It’s fun playing that role.”

The opera’s director, Cristina Loyola, credits Jones with bringing vibrant personality to the character. “I’m really happy with the direction the show is taking,” Loyola said.

When Jones isn’t in class, studying, learning an opera, or rehearsing with one of the four Old Dominion ensembles — Jazz Combo, Jazz Choir, Diehn Chorale, Concert Choir — she can be found working with the Wesley 51�鱨վ United Methodist Church campus ministry. She serves as both president and music minister.

In music and in life, Jones has learned to trust God’s plan. “That’s what I’m focused on,” she said. “He has a plan for me and I’m going to follow his lead.”

Out of the Box

The plan for Jones seems to include both a deep dive into opera and exploration of other musical styles. Becoming a professional opera singer remains her goal, but she’s eager to try other forms.

“I see all these opportunities,” she said. “I can do jazz, I can do classical, I can do early music, I can do just about anything. I love that 51�鱨վ gives me that opportunity. It reassures me that I don't have to be in a box. I can do what I enjoy and still do it constructively. There's not only one right way.”

She’s studied with Professor John Toomey, a pianist who leads Old Dominion’s jazz program. The experience was enriching, she said.

“He is really passionate about helping students develop,” Jones said. “It feels so comforting to know that there are people in my corner who would go the extra mile for me, you know? … It's really reassuring to have people like Toomey and Nedvin who support me 100 percent of the way.”

Toomey said he admires his student’s versatility. Jones gracefully shifts among jazz, theater and classical styles.

“And I have rarely seen a student who is so comfortable on the stage,” Toomey wrote. “Regardless of style, she has a commanding presence and is a pleasure not only to hear but also to watch performing.”