Susanne Mentzer, a mezzo-soprano who has performed on the stages of the world's most prestigious opera houses and festivals, has joined the voice faculty of DePaul University's School of Music. Her appointment begins in the fall.

     Mentzer, who is celebrating her 10th season with the Metropolitan Opera of New York, said she is excited about her faculty appointment and the opportunity to join "a wonderful community with outstanding musicians, teachers and student body,"

     "I look forward to passing along my insights to the students and exchanging ideas with my colleagues," she said. "As a Chicago area resident for 13 years, and after years of being 'on the road,' I am so happy to form this association with DePaul. I will continue to do some performing, but I have been interested in teaching for some time. This is a direction I have been heading, having joined the faculty of the Aspen Music Festival and School each summer. I am thrilled to have this opportunity in my 'hometown.' I am hoping to be an asset to the School of Music and to do the best I can for the students."

     Mentzer joins a voice performance faculty that includes the internationally acclaimed soprano Catherine Malfitano, who was appointed visiting professor of voice and opera last fall. The voice program enrolls approximately 70 students. Chosen students appear in two annual, full-length operas presented by the DePaul Opera Theater (DOT). Headed for a decade by Harry Silverstein, who has directed opera professionally in the United States and abroad, DOT is a highly successful training organization for students of opera.

     Graduates of DePaul's voice program have performed with The Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Berlin Opera, Zurich Opera and regional companies around the United States. Several students have won major competitions, including two winners of the Metropolitan Opera's national competition. Three students have been chosen for the Lyric Opera's prestigious and selective apprentice program in recent years.

     In an opera career that has spanned two decades, Mentzer specializes in the repertoire of Mozart, Berlioz, Massenet and Richard Strauss, and the bel canto repertoire of Rossini, Bellini and Donizetti. Mentzer is a rare performer with equal vocal and acting gifts. A versatile artist, she also enjoys a significant concert and recital career, with a particular interest in chamber music.

     "Susanne Mentzer ranks with the most compelling musicians in the world," said Donald Casey, dean of the School of Music. "Her artistry is truly astonishing. She also is a remarkably caring individual and a gifted pedagogue who will bring great strength to our already excellent faculty. All of us at DePaul are honored by her commitment to us, and we envision a long, fulfilling, and exceptionally productive relationship with her."

     During the 2000-2001 season with the Metropolitan Opera, Mentzer will perform as Melisande in Debussy's "Pelleas et Melisande" and as the Composer in Strauss' "Ariadne auf Naxos." She also will perform in operas, recitals and concerts next season in Bilbao, Dresden, Paris, New York, Aspen and Washington, D.C.

     Since 1992, Mentzer has organized the annual autumn Jubilate benefit featuring such stars of the opera world as Placido Domingo, Sylvia McNair, Samuel Ramey, William Sharp and Carol Vaness. The proceeds benefit Bonaventure House, a Chicago residence for people living with AIDS.