Valerie Beaman

Making Connections Series Announces Next Five Sessions

OPERA America, the national service organization for opera, announces the next five sessions of its ongoing Making Connections series, a professional development and networking program nurturing the next generation of performing and creative artists. Making Connections is geared toward early-career artists, including singers, composers, librettists, designers, directors and others who work in or would like to work in the field of opera. During the course of the full 2008-2009 Making Connections season, which runs from September through May, OPERA America will present a total of 18 different sessions. Each begins with an hour-long panel discussion followed by an informal reception where attendees have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with the panelists, providing a unique networking opportunity. 'One of the most exciting aspects of Making Connections is this direct exchange between the participants,' stated Marc A. Scorca, president & CEO of OPERA America. 'In the increasingly competitive arts community, often it's not only what you know, but who you know that can make a difference. Through Making Connections, OPERA America is able to foster a real dialogue between aspiring artists and decision-makers in the opera community.'