2011 High School Masterclass Showcases, Mentors Young Local Talent
Annual program connects promising high school-aged vocalists to the opera world
MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin—March 3, 2011—The Florentine Opera Company will hold its annual High School Masterclass on Sunday, March 27 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm at the Florentine Opera Center (926 E. Burleigh, Riverwest). Specifically designed to meet the needs of the giftedyoung singer interested in pursing continued education in vocal arts, theprogram's objective is to provide guidance and mentorship and to nurturevocalists with professional experiences.
Following an audition process, five finalists out of a pool of nearly thirty were selected to receive private vocal coaching provided by the Florentine Opera with Chorus Master, Scott Stewart. New this season, five additional students were selected to receive vocal lessons with the Florentine Opera Studio Artists.
The program culminates in a two-hour masterclass led by General Director William Florescu. All students who audition are invited to attend the masterclass, where they learn vocal and auditioning techniques, discuss the career field ofv ocal/operatic performance and participate in a question/answer series. They will also have the opportunity to sing ensemble roles in the Florentine Opera's Scene Showcase featuring the Studio Artists on Saturday, April 9 at 7:00 pm, and at future Florentine Opera community performances such as Florentine at the Lake.
The 2010-2011 Masterclass Finalists are:
- Jacob Baker, Racine Horlick High School
- Katharine Geertsen,Wauwatosa East High School
- Katie Koester, Shorewood High School
- William Krager, Eisenhower High School
- Gretchen Mahkorn, Pius XI High School
The Masterclass students receiving vocal lessons are:
- Christian Adams,Wauwatosa East High School
- Deme Hellwig, Shorewood High School
- Wenie Lado,Wauwatosa East High School
- Jessica Surprenant, Eisenhower High School
- Chantal Tribble, Milwaukee High School of the Arts
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ABOUT THE FLORENTINE OPERA'S EDUCATION PROGRAMS:
The Florentine Opera Company's Education Department programming reaches a broad spectrum of individuals throughout Metro Milwaukee, southeastern Wisconsin and beyond. Last year alone, over 18,000 students and individuals benefited from Florentine Opera Education programs. The Company provides a vital additionto local arts education – both in the classroom and on the stage—and the Florentine's Education Department is committed to providing all students with a completeopera curriculum.