Florentine's High School Masterclass Showcases, Mentors Young Singers

Annual program connects promising high school-aged vocalists to the opera world

 
MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin—April 27, 2009—The Florentine Opera Company will hold its annual High School Masterclass on Sunday, May 3 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. Specifically designed to meet the needs of the gifted young singer interested in gaining knowledge of and pursing continued education in vocal arts, the program’s objective is to provide guidance and mentorship and to nurture vocalists with professional experiences.

Following an audition process, four students are selected to receive private vocal coachings provided by the Florentine Opera with Chorus Master, Scott Stewart and 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 of vocal/operatic performance and participate in a question/answer series. Finalists also have the opportunity to sing at future Florentine Opera community performances such as Florentine at the Lake.

2008-09 Masterclass finalists are Lydia Rose Eiche, junior, Milwaukee High School of the Arts; Evan Mayer, senior, Wauwatosa East High School; Kate Trotter, junior, Pius XI High School; Talia Nepper, junior, Bradford High School.

Honorable mention was awarded to Eunice Paul, junior, Shorewood High School and Shanna Sweeney, junior, Pewaukee High School.