Matthew Tschimperle recipient of Brudos Prize for Opera Performance at Luther College

Matthew Tschimperle, a Luther College junior from New Prague, Minn., has been named the recipient of the annual Alan R. and Sally J. Brudos Prize for Opera Performance at Luther College. Tschimperle will present the Brudos Family Opera Prize Recital during the 2008-09 academic year.

Tschimperle, son of Michael and Margaret Tschimperle of New Prague, is majoring in music at Luther. He is a 2005 graduate of New Prague High School.

Presented annually to a Luther College senior, the Brudos Prize was established by Alan and Sally Brudos to support students of outstanding ability and achievement who are preparing for careers in opera performance.  The prize includes a $5,000 award.

The winner is chosen by the faculty of the Luther College Music Department.  Selection is based on promise and quality of vocal performance. 

Tschimperle studies voice with Edwin Andereck, Luther professor of music. Jessica Paul, associate professor of music, is his vocal coach.

Tschimperle participated in his high school choir, as well as many high school, college and community theatre productions. Most recently, he has been involved in several Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre productions. 

In addition to performing in recitals, opera productions and opera scenes, Tschimperle has sung in three choral ensembles at Luther: Norsemen, Cathedral Choir and Collegiate Chorale.

He intends to pursue the masters degree in vocal performance and to pursue a career in opera performance. He hopes to eventually earn the doctoral degree in music and teach voice at the collegiate level.

Luther College is home to one of the largest collegiate music programs in the world with seven choirs, three orchestras, three bands, two jazz bands and nearly 1,000 student musicians.

Luther students perform in large ensembles, faculty-coached chamber groups, private lessons and master classes. More than 350 music majors study music theory, ear training, history, education, composition, church music and performance.