Milnes' appearance at the National Opera Center, titled "Sherrill Milnes@80," is part of a milestone year for the singer: He celebrates his 80th birthday this month, and later in 2015, he will mark the 50th anniversary of his Metropolitan Opera debut. At OPERA America's event, Milnes will share stories from his distinguished career and also present video clips of performances, including collaborations with fellow legends Plácido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti, as well as Hollywood stars Carol Burnett, Burt Lancaster and Tony Randall.
"We are delighted and honored to welcome Sherrill to our stage at the National Opera Center," stated OPERA America President/CEO Marc A. Scorca. "He is the definitive Verdi baritone of his generation, and few singers have enjoyed careers as prolific and storied as his. Sherrill is also a warm and generous colleague who continues to shape the American opera scene by mentoring young talent through the Savannah VOICE Programs," Scorca continued.
Sherrill Milnes@80 is the first of six public events in OPERA America's spring 2015 Onstage at the Opera Center season. Featuring performances of new works, showcases of bright young singers and conversations with industry luminaries, the spring 2015 season provides opera lovers with a backstage pass to explore the richness of the opera world -- past, present and future.
Spring 2015 Onstage at the Opera Center Events:
All Onstage events take place at the National Opera Center (330 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001) and will also be live streamed at operaamerica.org/Live. Tickets are $25 for non-members; free for members. Members are also invited to private receptions with the featured artists. Seating is limited and advance ticket reservations are strongly recommended. For more information and to reserve tickets, visit operaamerica.org/Onstage.
CONVERSATIONS | operaamerica.org/Conversations
The Conversations series spotlights luminaries of the opera world who share stories from their careers and discuss the field with OPERA America President/CEO Marc A. Scorca.
Tuesday, January 27 at 7:00 p.m.
In celebration of his 80th birthday, renowned baritone Sherrill Milnes will join OPERA America President/CEO Marc A. Scorca in an intimate conversation, sharing stories and video clips from his long and celebrated career.
Thursday, February 12 at 7:00 p.m.
Maestro Stephen Lord was chosen by Opera News as one of the "25 Most Powerful Names in U.S. Opera," and he is frequently praised for conducting both traditional and contemporary operatic works. Hear him share insights from his remarkable career with OPERA America President/CEO Marc A. Scorca.
Tuesday, April 21 at 7:00 p.m.
One of today's leading countertenors, David Daniels has been praised not only for his superlative artistry, but also for exploring a uniquely varied repertoire for his voice type, taking on roles that span the baroque to modern eras. He was recently lauded for his portrayal of Oscar Wilde in the world premiere of Theodore Morrison and John Cox's Oscar at The Santa Fe Opera, a role he will reprise this year at Opera Philadelphia.
CREATORS IN CONCERT | operaamerica.org/CreatorsinConcert
The Creators in Concert series features lively discussions with today's leading American composers and performances of excerpts from their recent operas.
Tuesday, March 10 at 7:00 p.m.
Composer David T. Little is renowned for his innovative compositions that explore sociopolital subjects and confront head-on the boundaries between the classical and rock traditions. In this event, Little will discuss his work for the operatic stage and showcase recent compositions.
EMERGING ARTIST RECITAL SERIES | operaamerica.org/Recitals
Companies from around the United States present competition winners and leading singers from their young artist programs in OPERA America's Emerging Artist Recital Series.
Washington National Opera, Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program
Saturday, April 11 at 4:00 p.m.
Founded in 2002 by Plácido Domingo, this program offers promising young singers, coaches, accompanists, conductors and stage directors a course of intensive training, study, career guidance and performance opportunities.
2014 Music Academy of the West Marilyn Horne Song Competition Winners: Michelle Bradley and Michael Gaertner
Wednesday, May 20 at 7:00 p.m.
Michelle Bradley, soprano, and Michael Gaertner, pianist, are the winners of the 2014 Music Academy of the West Marilyn Horne Song Competition. Fellows from the Music Academy's voice and vocal piano programs compete before a distinguished jury for this prestigious award, which is given to those who excel in performing the song repertoire and display a unique gift for communicating with the audience.
For more information about OPERA America and its services, visit operaamerica.org.
About OPERA America - OPERA America (operaamerica.org) leads and serves the entire opera community, supporting the creation, presentation and enjoyment of opera.
Founded in 1970, OPERA America's worldwide membership network includes nearly 200 Company Members, 300 Associate and Business Members, 2,000 Individual Members and more than 12,000 subscribers to the association's electronic news service. In response to the critical need for suitable audition, rehearsal and recording facilities, OPERA America opened the first-ever NATIONAL OPERA CENTER (operaamerica.org/OperaCenter) in September 2012 in New York City. With a wide range of artistic and administrative services in a purpose-built facility, OPERA America is dedicated to increasing the level of excellence, creativity and effectiveness across the field.
Photo Credit: Dario Acosta
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