FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Indiana University Jacobs School of Music is pleased to announce the appointment of mezzo-soprano Paulina Villarreal as assistant professor of music in voice, effective Aug. 1.
A recipient of the Yamaha Corporation Excellence in Music Education Award, she currently serves as a voice faculty member at the University of Memphis and the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival and is artistic director of Cantos para el Mundo in Mexico. Previous academic appointments include Centenary College of Louisiana, Millikin University and the University of Cincinnati College–Conservatory of Music, where she earned a doctorate degree.
Villarreal has appeared with the Tanglewood Music Center, Boston Pops and Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, among many others. Equally at home in classical, musical theater and commercial music, she is recognized for her artistic versatility and cultural advocacy.
“Paulina Villarreal’s vibrant career as a performer, educator and advocate for Latin American and Iberian vocal music further expands the breadth and depth of our already world-renowned Voice Department,” said Abra Bush, David Henry Jacobs Bicentennial Dean. “We are proud that she will be making her academic home at the Jacobs School of Music.”
A sought-after clinician, lecturer and published researcher, Villarreal has presented for organizations such as the National Association of Teachers of Singing, National Opera Association and College Music Society as well as institutions across Latin America and the Caribbean. Her students have earned major roles and coveted spots in Young Artist programs and competitions in the United States and abroad.
Career highlights include the title role in “Carmen,” the world premiere of “Mango Suite” with the Princeton Symphony and “Simply Sondheim” with the Boston Pops. Her recitals often spotlight her research on Latin American song, zarzuela and Mexican composer María Grever.
“Paulina Villarreal has had a varied performance career and is a recognized expert in Spanish-language song repertoire,” said Brian Horne, Voice Department chair. “We are delighted to welcome Dr. Villarreal to the Jacobs voice family and look forward to what she will bring to her students and colleagues as well as the community.”