The OU School of Music will welcome opera mezzo soprano Marilyn Horne to campus as a visiting faculty member this week.

Horne will be holding private lessons and masterclasses for OU voice students though Friday. The masterclasses are free and open to the public at 7 p.m. today and Friday in Catlett Music Center’s Pitman Recital Hall.

“Ms. Horne’s masterclasses here at OU are always well attended,” said Tyrone Chambers, an alumnus of the OU School of Music. “Not only by music students, but by their friends, other OU faculty members who are friends with Ms. Horne, the members of the OU Musical Theatre and Opera Guild are always there and others.”

President David Boren asked Horne to become a visiting faculty member after her visit to OU to inaugurate Sharp Concert Hall during the dedication of the second phase of OU’s Catlett Music Center.

He said he realized the impact someone of her stature could have on OU’s voice and opera students.

“I would suggest bringing paper and a pencil; Ms. Horne is always throwing out names and performances that anyone can find on YouTube,” Chambers said. “If anyone is interested in opera, it is a good idea to watch and listen to other singers perform.