In the competitive world of opera performance, it helps to know someone on the inside. For the next few years, Wichita State opera students have that edge. They’re benefitting from the acclaimed Samuel Ramey, a world famous opera singer and WSU graduate. 

The Artist in Residence will join opera students in a benefit concert this Friday that highlights his semester contributions. 

Students say that you would never guess the depth of Ramey’s fame unless you asked. The singer has received almost every award possible for his recordings and performances, including three Grammy Awards. He holds the honor of being the most recorded bassist in history, with 80 recordings of operas, arias, symphonic works, solos and other albums. Yet his fame doesn’t bring the usual dose of pretension many renowned artists carry.

“He makes us feel so comfortable because he’s so humble and down-to-earth,” vocal student Kendra Rios said. “There’s just a comfortable atmosphere that feels safe to work in.”

But Ramey’s friendly character doesn’t mean he lets students slack. Ramey brings a world of professional experience to WSU, setting his expectations high. It’s a new perspective for students, but also an inspiration.

“It’s definitely a privilege and an honor to have as big of a success as he is teaching us,” vocal student Chy Billings said. “He could open gateways to careers for me.”

For Ramey, the shift back to his alma mater means closing the chapter on his long vocal career. His debut was at the New York City Opera in 1973, five years after graduating from WSU. Since then his voice has led him around the world, only to end up where he began. His career has lasted longer than many vocalists’ stints and still hasn’t quite ended. Now in his 70’s, Ramey is beginning to shift gears.

“It’s an interesting segue for sure,” Ramey said. “I’d rather be still singing, but as you get older your voice does, too.” Last semester began Ramey’s residency at WSU, which is expected to last the next few years. For three two-week periods throughout the academic year, Ramey has been privately coaching, leading graduate seminars and giving voice studio master classes. 

“My singing career is winding down and I just explored the possibility of coming back,” Ramey said. 

Students benefit from Ramey’s vocal expertise and his performance experience. The life of an opera singer includes extensive travel, enormous pressure and endless concerts. For students, an insider’s perspective is extremely valuable.

“This is going to be an enhancement of the student experience at WSU incomparable to any other … very rarely do students have the opportunity to work with someone at the top who was literally in their shoes at one time,” Dean of Fine Arts Rodney Miller said. 

For opera students, Ramey is a prime example of what could lie ahead for them. It’s affirmation that vocal success is within their grasp.

“It’s an inspiration to continue doing what we love,” Billings said. “All it takes is some determination and some effort.”

Ramey’s performance showcases the singers he’s coached this year during the 7:30 p.m. concert Friday in Miller Concert Hall. The program spans from Bernstein to Bellini, with Ramey joining students in singing the grand finale. Tickets are $25 for the general public, $16 for seniors and military and $6 for students. They’re available at the College of Fine Arts Box Office in the Duerksen Fine Arts building and online or 316-978-3233.