Memorial Services to be Held for Conservatory Director of Opera

Marciem Bazell, director of Opera at the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Conservatory of Music and Dance, passed away recently after a long battle with cancer.

A memorial service in her honor is scheduled for 5 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 28, at Central United Methodist Church, 5144 Oak St., Kansas City, Mo. A reception at the church will follow the service.

Bazell came to UMKC in 2007 from Southern Methodist University, where she was the director of Opera from 2002–07. Bazell is remembered by the UMKC community for her kindness and her immense talent.

“Especially in these recent years, Marciem brought the Conservatory together in ways we hadn’t imagined. We’re grateful for our time with her and join Marciem’s students, friends, and family in remembering a caring soul,” Conservatory Dean Peter Witte said.

Bazell’s directorial credits include productions of Susannah, Faust, Tosca, Lucia, Romeo et Juliette, L’Elisir d’Amore, I Pagliacci, Gianni Schicchi, Suor Angelica, “La Traviata, La Bohème, Rigoletto, Hänsel und Gretel, Cosi fan Tutte, Arianna a Naxos, Don Giovanni, and South Pacific. Bazell also trained the young artists of the Sarasota (Fla.), Chautauqua (N.Y.), Virginia and Des Moines opera companies.

UMKC Associate Professor of Vocal Studies Anne DeLaunay says that Bazell’s background as an oboist gave her a well-rounded understanding of various performers.

“Her knowledge and instrumental background is one reason why she was admired by orchestra members,” DeLaunay said.

Bazell directed for the Sarasota Opera, Chautauqua Opera, Virginia Opera, Opera Illinois, The El Paso Opera, The Sylvan Opera of Philadelphia, Opera Delaware and the Fresno Philharmonic. She also directed opera productions and served on the faculty of two renowned music schools in Philadelphia, The Curtis Institute of Music (1986–99) and The Academy of Vocal Arts (1988–99).