OPERA BUFFS PRESENTS FALL PERFORMERS' SHOWCASE NOVEMBER 8
Jenine Baines
October 21, 2008
LOS ANGELES, Calif. Since its founding in 1983, The Opera Buffs Inc. has distributed more than $600,000 in support to more than 600 singers just embarking upon their careers. Grants range from helping underwrite the cost of lessons to defraying the expense of a new gown or suit for an important audition or recital.
But as the Opera Buffs´ 2008 Fall Performers Showcase on November 8 illustrates, the nonprofit organization provides more than financial assistance. It offers talented young singers an invaluable opportunity – to perform and be heard.
This year´s Fall Showcase presentation – which will take place at the Colburn School´s Zipper Concert Hall in Los Angeles at 2:30 p.m., under the direction of Music Director Mona Lands and Stage Director Michael Van Duzer – will introduce Los Angeles-area music lovers to six singers from around the globe. On stage that afternoon are: Joanna Foote, soprano, from New Zealand; Xiaobo Su, soprano, from China; Tracy Cox, mezzo soprano, from the United States; Liam McLachlan, tenor, from Australia; Joseph Lim, baritone, from Korea; and Caleb Barnes, a 17-year old countertenor from the United States.
"We´re very excited to be presenting these six very talented performers in a special program of opera scenes and song," says Board Member Lynne Mitchell, chairman of the event. "We hope as many members of the community as possible will join us at the Fall Showcase to show their support for opera´s next generation of stars."
"The achievements of the young vocalists we´ve assisted – our ´Opera Buffs´ Scholars´ – are phenomenal," adds David Alan Gibb, President of the Board of Directors. "In so many cases, the ´kids´ we´ve heard first as undergraduates just beginning their careers have matured vocally and artistically into world-class professionals. Southern California singers are now singing on the major opera stages throughout the United States and around the globe."
Every year, the Opera Buffs raises $40,000 to $60,000, primarily from membership dues. Grants are awarded directly to singers, based on their financial needs and the purposes for which the funds are requested. Singers who participate in Performers Showcase events receive honoraria as well, plus invaluable experience working with other singers in staged scenes before an audience.
The organization´s generosity does not stop here, however. It contributes to organizations that share its commitment to nurturing young singers. These range from regional vocal competitions like the Metropolitan Opera Western Region Auditions and Loren L. Zachary Society Vocal Competition and to academic and performance institutions – including USC, UCLA and Los Angeles Opera – that utilize young singers in their productions.
Tickets for the Fall Showcase cost $25 for nonmembers and are available by calling 818.790.2171 or visiting the Opera Buffs website at www.operabuffs.org. Zipper Concert Hall is located at 200 South Grand Avenue in Los Angeles, with parking across the street at Walt Disney Concert Hall.
The Opera Buffs Inc. plays a leading role in nurturing and supporting talented young Southern California opera singers and in furthering their careers. It believes that, of all musical instruments, the human voice is the most sublime and that helping the exceptionally talented artist reach the operatic stage is a mission worthy of the utmost effort and full dedication.
For more information about membership, upcoming events or the Opera Buffs´ current roster of singers, visit www.operabuffs.org.
But as the Opera Buffs´ 2008 Fall Performers Showcase on November 8 illustrates, the nonprofit organization provides more than financial assistance. It offers talented young singers an invaluable opportunity – to perform and be heard.
This year´s Fall Showcase presentation – which will take place at the Colburn School´s Zipper Concert Hall in Los Angeles at 2:30 p.m., under the direction of Music Director Mona Lands and Stage Director Michael Van Duzer – will introduce Los Angeles-area music lovers to six singers from around the globe. On stage that afternoon are: Joanna Foote, soprano, from New Zealand; Xiaobo Su, soprano, from China; Tracy Cox, mezzo soprano, from the United States; Liam McLachlan, tenor, from Australia; Joseph Lim, baritone, from Korea; and Caleb Barnes, a 17-year old countertenor from the United States.
"We´re very excited to be presenting these six very talented performers in a special program of opera scenes and song," says Board Member Lynne Mitchell, chairman of the event. "We hope as many members of the community as possible will join us at the Fall Showcase to show their support for opera´s next generation of stars."
"The achievements of the young vocalists we´ve assisted – our ´Opera Buffs´ Scholars´ – are phenomenal," adds David Alan Gibb, President of the Board of Directors. "In so many cases, the ´kids´ we´ve heard first as undergraduates just beginning their careers have matured vocally and artistically into world-class professionals. Southern California singers are now singing on the major opera stages throughout the United States and around the globe."
Every year, the Opera Buffs raises $40,000 to $60,000, primarily from membership dues. Grants are awarded directly to singers, based on their financial needs and the purposes for which the funds are requested. Singers who participate in Performers Showcase events receive honoraria as well, plus invaluable experience working with other singers in staged scenes before an audience.
The organization´s generosity does not stop here, however. It contributes to organizations that share its commitment to nurturing young singers. These range from regional vocal competitions like the Metropolitan Opera Western Region Auditions and Loren L. Zachary Society Vocal Competition and to academic and performance institutions – including USC, UCLA and Los Angeles Opera – that utilize young singers in their productions.
Tickets for the Fall Showcase cost $25 for nonmembers and are available by calling 818.790.2171 or visiting the Opera Buffs website at www.operabuffs.org. Zipper Concert Hall is located at 200 South Grand Avenue in Los Angeles, with parking across the street at Walt Disney Concert Hall.
The Opera Buffs Inc. plays a leading role in nurturing and supporting talented young Southern California opera singers and in furthering their careers. It believes that, of all musical instruments, the human voice is the most sublime and that helping the exceptionally talented artist reach the operatic stage is a mission worthy of the utmost effort and full dedication.
For more information about membership, upcoming events or the Opera Buffs´ current roster of singers, visit www.operabuffs.org.
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