The Giulio Gari Foundation Annouces Benefit And Winners

The Giulio Gari Foundation, whose mission is to discover and encourage young classical singers, will hold its annual benefit gala on Sunday, October 21 at the New York Athletic Club. A concert begins at 3 p.m., and will be followed by dinner.

The annual event will this year honor opera stars Carol Vaness, a lirico-soprano known for her Mozart operatic roles; Sharon Sweet, a dramatic soprano; and the preeminent tenor Guiseppe Filiantoni. The gala will be hosted by Ken Benson and co-hosted by Scott Barnes. The pianist will be Jonathan Kelly.

The program will include performances by the winners of the 2018 International Vocal Competition held each year by the foundation as well as the grant winners. The winners of the competition are: 1st prize, Hubert Zapior (Baritone); tied for 2nd prize are Kidon Choi (Baritone) and Cesar Delgado (Tenor); 4th prize Jaemon Yoon (Baritone); and 5th prize Michelle Bradley (Soprano). The grant winners include Seokjong Baek (Baritone); Helena Brown (Soprano); Dangelo Diaz (Tenor); Jorge Espino (Baritone); Jana McIntyre (Soprano); and Marlen Nahas (Soprano).

In addition, Encouragement Awards are given are given each year. Those finalists include Hyo Na Kim (Mezzo-soprano); Dogukan Kuran (Baritone); Daniel Noyola (Bass Baritone); Alex Rosen (Bass); Spencer Viator (Tenor); and Xiaomeng Zhang (Baritone).

For tickets and more information about the benefit gala, call 212-874-3934.

Giulio Gari made his operatic debut at the Teatro Reale D'Ell Opera in Rome in Rossini's IL BARBIERE DI SIVIGLIA under the baton of Tullio Serafin. This early success was soon followed by the offer of a contract in the United States with the NBC Symphony. He was recognized by conductor Laszlo Halasz, who engaged him for the premier performances of Gian Carlo Menotti's AMELIA AL BALLO and for eight (8) seasons as the leading tenor at the New York City Opera. His unbroken record of success in New York as well as with companies across the United States, in Europe and in Central America, led to an invitation from Sir Rudolf Bing to join the roster of principal tenors at the Metropolitan Opera, where he debuted as Lt. Pinkerton in Puccini's MADAME BUTTERFLY, paired the Licia Albanese.

The Giulio Gari Foundation's mission is to discover and encourage young classical singers of the highest quality. It provides the winners of the foundation's International Vocal Competition with grants and performance opportunities. Creating the Giulio Gari Foundation was the inspiration of Stephen DeMaio and Licia Albanese. The Chair of the foundation's Board of Directors is Gloria Gari. Paul Cohen serves as President and Mr. Mr. DeMaio as Artistic Director.