The diva of Portland State

Portland State faculty member Angela Niederloh is used to living on the road for her career. Having spent time in more than five major U.S. cities since she graduated from PSU in 1999, she worked in numerous opera productions, gaining stage credit all over the country.

Niederloh loves performing, but it was the desire to teach–not to mention her love of Portland–that ultimately brought her back.

“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.”

After receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in music from PSU in 1999, Neiderloh said she lived a self-described “vagabond lifestyle,” moving from city to city performing in various opera productions. But eventually Niederloh grew tired of the constant travel.

“I wanted to move back to Portland to find the perfect balance of performing and teaching-and I was tired of living out of my suitcase,” she said.

Since returning to Portland, Niederloh has made a name for herself with the Portland Opera, performing in

Rossini’s Journey to Reims in 2004 as well as The Magic Flute in 2007.

Now, she has been cast in the lead role of the company’s upcoming production of Rossini’s Cinderella.

Niederloh was also hired as “adjunct voice faculty” at PSU’s College of Fine and Performing Arts this fall. In her new position, Niederloh teaches voice lessons under the guidance of her one-time mentor Christine Meadows–an opportunity she said is very exciting.

“Christine helped develop me vocally and encouraged me to get out and audition for roles I thought were hopeless,” Niederloh said. “She was a great mother hen–very nurturing–but pushed me out of the nest.”

When she is not teaching, Niederloh is busy preparing for her role in Cinderella.

“It is important to have a teacher who still performs, and can provide the right-brain perspective,” she said. “I am a firm believer that no matter what genre of music you perform, it is imperative to have a good foundation and learn strong technique.”

Overall, Niederloh expressed joy to be back in Portland, whether in the classroom or the stage.

Cinderella opens Nov. 2nd at Keller Auditorium, located at 222 SW Clay St.

Students interested in seeing Cinderella are eligible to purchase “rush tickets” for $10 with school identification. Rush tickets are available starting one hour before show time.