Opera Orlando SINGS! Launches This Monday

On Monday, July 26, Opera Orlando launches a new training initiative for young singers. The Summer Institute for the Next Generation of Singers (SINGS!) program is a week-long intensive designed specifically for high school students interested in pursuing a classical singing career. "Opera Orlando developed this program to be an informative and professional-level week of training to help high school singers navigate and prepare for college auditions, while also giving them insight into how best to build a lifelong career in classical music," says program director Sarah Purser. "I am looking forward to the students growing together as an ensemble throughout the week, as well as achieving their own personal goals, improving their musicianship, and gaining the confidence needed to take their career to the next level."

Members of SINGS! have a lot in store for them over the course of the program's five days. There is a good balance between ensemble building and individual music work with coaching from Opera Orlando staff, teaching artists on solo and ensemble repertoire, development of a professional online presence with new headshots and updated resumes, acting workshops, yoga classes, vocal health seminars, and vocal anatomy sessions. Additionally, each student will have the opportunity to participate in a masterclass hosted by acclaimed clinicians: internationally-renowned and Metropolitan Opera tenor Curtis Rayam, Grammy Award-winning baritone Gabriel Preisser, and stellar soprano Susan Hellman Spatafora. The week culminates in a final public concert featuring the summer's cohort of students, showcasing their work from the program. This will be followed by a reception for SINGS! members, their parents, and audience members.

Opera Orlando SINGS! will be an annual summer program moving forward for the Company. All currently-enrolled high school students are encouraged to apply, as well as to submit video recordings of themselves singing an art song, aria, or musical theater piece. Dates for next year's SINGS! program will be announced in the spring of 2022, but for more information or to express interest in the program, please email program director Sarah Purser: spurser@operaorlando.org.

Keeping safety as its first priority in the presentation of its 2021-22 season, Opera Orlando continues to monitor the development of COVID-19 and the vaccination plans relating to the virus. The Company has remained in consultation with its health partners and venues to implement an appropriate and comprehensive plan centered on the protection and reduction of the risk of infection for audience members, cast and production teams, staff, and volunteers.

Stay up to date with Opera Orlando's upcoming season and planning online at www.operaorlando.org. Season ticket subscriptions for Opera Orlando on the MainStage are on sale now. Subscriptions are sold through the Dr. Phillips Center's Bill & Mary Darden Box Office (445 S. Magnolia Avenue, Orlando), online at www.drphillipcscenter.org, or by calling (407) 839-0119, ext. 0.

Season ticket packages are also available for Opera Orlando on the Town. Call (407) 512-1900 or visit www.operaorlando.org for "On the Town" subscriptions. See YOU at the Opera!

To post a comment, you must register and login.