Florentine Opera Celebrates National Opera Week: Oct 29-Nov 5
October 29 – November 7
offers a week of free events and fun surprises, including
“Opera Week at the Milwaukee Public Market”
MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin—October 28, 2010—The Florentine Opera Company joins nearly 100 other opera organizations nationwide to celebrate National Opera Week (October 29 – November 7), organized by OPERA America, the national service organization for opera, with support of the National Endowment for the Arts.
National Opera Week celebrates the vitality of opera in America today and brings the inventiveness and excitement of opera to a broader national audience. The strength and diversity of established opera companies, community opera ensembles and opera training programs across the United States will be shared through a variety of free and accessible activities for opera lovers and newcomers to the art form.
“National Opera Week is an opportunity to highlight the astounding diversity and creativity of opera activity across the United States today,” stated Marc A. Scorca, president & CEO of OPERA America. “There is something for everyone during National Opera Week, providing both the seasoned attendee and newcomer a chance to learn about, experience and enjoy the art form in an informal setting.”
The week beings with a free masterclass facilitated by Erie Mills and featuring the Florentine Opera Studio Artists, on Friday, October 29 at the Wayne & Kristine Lueders Florentine Opera Center. On October 30, “Opera Week at the Public Market” begins, which will include a series of free lunchtime performances, special savings on future operas offered to Market patrons, and exciting surprises.
“The Florentine Opera is delighted to participate for the second year in a row in this exciting national effort, as we provide free programs for both current opera lovers and those new to the art form to our community. Historically, Milwaukee has a strong legacy of fostering and supporting opera, of which the Florentine has been a part for 77 seasons. We thank our partners at Milwaukee Public Market for the chance to spend the week in celebration.”
Coinciding with the presentation of the NEA Opera Honors in Washington, D.C., National Opera Week honors the careers of the outstanding artists chosen each year for this award. The recipients of the 2010 NEA Opera Honors are Soprano Martina Arroyo, General Director David DiChiera, Composer Philip Glass and Music Director Eve Queler. Previous honorees include Composer John Adams, Composer Carlisle Floyd, Mezzo-Soprano Marilyn Horne, Conductor James Levine and Soprano Leontyne Price. The 2010 NEA Opera Honors will take place on Friday, October 22 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. (www.neaoperahonors.org).
For more information about National Opera Week events around the country, please visit www.operaamerica.org/now. Follow the National Opera Week conversation on Twitter with #operaweek.
FREE NATIONAL OPERA WEEK EVENTS HOSTED BY THE FLORENTINE OPERA:
Friday, October 29 @ 7:00 pm
Studio Artist Masterclass with Erie Mills
Wayne
& Kristine Lueders Florentine Opera Center
926 E. Burleigh St
Milwaukee, WI 53212
See what it takes to become an opera star as you join the Florentine Studio
Artists and observe a masterclass led by nationally renowned singer and arts
educator Erie Mills. There is no cost to
attend the event, but due to limited space, an RSVP is required. Please email
the number attending and your name
to Lisa Hanson.
Saturday, October 30 – Friday, November 5
Opera Week at Milwaukee Public Market
Milwaukee Public
Market
400 N. Water Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Enjoy a series of free lunchtime performances at the Milwaukee Public Market by
our Studio Artists throughout the week:
Monday, November 1 at 12:30 pm
Wednesday, November 3 at 12:30 pm
Friday, November 5 at 12:30 pm
Plus, visit the market for
special savings on opera tickets and exciting surprises - just like at the
opera, you never know what may happen!
ADDITIONAL PRESS CONTACTS:
For OPERA America: Patricia Kiernan
Johnson, 212-796-8620, ext. 217, PKJohnson@operaamerica.org
For NEA: Victoria Hutter, 202-682-5692, hutterv@arts.gov
ABOUT THE FLORENTINE OPERA
COMPANY:
The Florentine Opera Company’s productions reflect the highest musical and theatrical standards, while supporting community and educational programs. As a leader in Wisconsin's arts community and the nation’s sixth oldest opera company, the Florentine Opera seeks to establish a significant presence in the cultural, educational and civic life of the state of Wisconsin and beyond. Audiences enjoy beautiful mainstage productions that include first-rate vocal artistry brought to life by established and emerging local, national and international opera stars. The Florentine Opera is a charter member organization of the United Performing Arts Fund and Milwaukee Arts Partners, and receives Board grants from the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County and the State of Wisconsin, as well as support from corporations, foundations and individuals. The Florentine Opera is a proud member of OPERA America.
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