From the Wilson Stage to the Portland Opera

In November 2007, our very own Wilson grad Angela Niederloh '95, mezzo-soprano, took to the stage of the Portland Opera in the lead role of Cinderella, as part of their Great Women of the Stage. "We heard her perform on opening night and she was wonderful!" recalls WWHS alumni Dick and Donna Barton, '58.

The Willamette Week states, "Portland's favorite home-team opera luminary, mezzo Angela Niederloh, stars as the glass-slipper-donning diva in a new Portland Opera production of Rossini's delightful opera." The New York Times referred to Angela as "an exciting coloratura mezzo-soprano." David Stabler, Oregonian critic, wrote “mezzo-soprano Angela Niederloh is the real thing. We’ll be hearing from her for years to come!” It is exciting to learn from Eamon ffitch, Portland State University's Daily Vanguard newspaper, that Angela has a new position as 'adjunct voice faculty' at PSU's College of Fine and Performing Arts this fall." "I was lucky to grow up in one of the best cities ever," said Niederloh. "I had the opportunity to live in some very fantastic places, but they never felt like home. This is home."

Angela worked with Wilson past drama teacher Mel Simrell as a vocal coach to put on Wilson's third production of Anything Goes in 2005. It was great to have Angie back on stage as she was in the 1993 production of Anything Goes at Wilson. "I have known Angie since her high school days and it is wonderful to watch her career soar. It couldn't happen to a nicer person!" states Mel. Steve Peter, Wilson's current Choirs Director and past Cleveland Choir Director, remembers Angie's fine work at Wilson back in the mid-90s. His fondest "memories of her were back in the early 2000's when she served as a private voice teacher over at Cleveland," remembers Steve. "Her students and I were thrilled with her talent and ability to relate to young singers. Great news...BRAVA, Angie!"

Julie Accuardi, retired Wilson drama teacher beams at the mention of Angie. "I think this is wonderful," states Julie. "I just saw Angie today in Cinderella. She was wonderful, and it was such a thrill to watch her shine. I am so proud of her. She was very active in Wilson drama and music. She played many parts for Wilson, among them Bonnie in Anything Goes, Maggie in The Man Who Came to Dinner, Celia in As You Like It, and Olive in the female version of The Odd Couple. She was also on the Thespian Board, Improv Team, and a member of the Senior Vocal Ensemble under the direction of Becky Thompson. I can't wait to see her next performance. She is a real star!"

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