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University of Wyoming

Joan Volek Gersten


(307) 766-5116

A former first prize winner in the Chicago area regional Metropolitan Opera Competition, Joan Volek Gersten went to Europe on a Fulbright scholarship and graduated with highest honors form the Vienna Academy.  She made her operatic debut as Sophie in Der Rosenkavalier by Strauss in Ulm, Germany and went on to a career as leading coloratura soprano in Salzburg, Cologne, Mannheim, the Vienna Volksoper, and a number of other European opera houses.  Upon her return to the United States, she continued her operatic career with various regional opera companies.  As her earlier musical education included many years of piano study and performance, she has combined these skills as voice teacher and coach/accompanist in several American colleges and universities and continues in that capacity today.