Opera Camp, songs on the Terrace, and a very special kind of Event

Next week, we start our annual opera camp. And I'm pleased to say that we have a good sized camp, with a good range of ages. We're doing some things that are very new to PRO - teaching the kids how to create their own opera! Oh my word, if I could just describe how excited the children are when we mention this! It's going to be an excellent project. Our own Robert Ashens will lead the camp with his wonderful style, and we've added a new factor that I think will just bowl the kids over - trained singers, from high school and college through adult, who will be right in there with them, helping them to understand the process even better. I think that their final performance on the last Friday of camp is going to be something we don't want to miss!

In addition to running this camp, Robert is putting together a nice concert for our Opera on the Terrace outdoor concert in downtown SLO at the Court Street Shopping center. You really should come check it out if you can - it's a very public venue, and we're selling tickets just to cover our costs -$10 - basically it gets you a seat so you can rest your feet - just so that people who are new to opera can see that opera is NOT all about the lady in the horns... Oh, and there's a nice reception after the concert, downstairs at the "taste" - wine and nibbles - for another $5. I'm very much looking forward to it.

And then (WOW, are we busy this month, or what??) on Saturday, August 9th we've having a very special kind of fundraiser at Embassy Suites in SLO. I would love to invite you to check out our webpage which has all the details at: http://www.propera.org/html/monaco.html

I hope to see you soon!

Onward!

Our first concert of the season was just lovely. The young singers were quite enjoyable to listen to, and our audience seemed really appreciative. It was especially nice to see Peggy Peterson there, as she has underwritten the Young Artist Program. This concert is the inaugural effort in that program.

Next in our Summer Series is Opera on the Terrace, featuring professional singers Karen Dunn (local!), Carol Ann Manzi, Paul Sahuc (last seen here in Tosca, as Scarpia) and Danny Singarella. Ms. Manzi & Mr. Singarelli are both new to PRO, but we know you'll enjoy them.

How time flies!

Amazing - I haven't even blogged since June... Where does the time go?

We're ramping up for the first concert in our series:

Young Artist Showcase

featuring several up-and-coming young singers. It's next Thursday, July 17, at 7 p.m. The location is Grace Church, 1350 Osos Street, San Luis Obispo. Tickets are $20 adults, $10 students and children. And we're offering a 50% web discount on your first ticket, if you call the office and mention the discount.

Now: the singers!

I've known soprano Katelyn Holliday since my very first day with PRO, back in 2002, when I was but a lowly Opera Camp Director. She was a pretty little girl with the voice of an angel, and now she's a beautiful young lady with smarts, skills and a great future ahead of her. Her brother Brian got into singing later than she did, but his lovely baritone has graced the stage of our mainstage operas more than once in our chorus (as has Katelyn's).
Other singers include our own James Stahlman (go James!), whose award-winning tenor gave real support to the chorus in Carmen last April (whose office skills have kept me sane these last months!). Marissa Bloom, who was first place in our 2008 Vocal Scholarship competition - and coincidentally this year's Opera Camp Director - will also share her beautiful soprano with us.
All four of these singers are locals. We are also welcoming soprano Georgia Duan, whose opera experience is both impressive and extensive. Check out her myspace page for details. You can even hear a sample of her voice!
http://www.myspace.com/georgiaduan

I do hope to see you there!