Lyric Opera Baltimore Presents BRAVISSIMO BEL CANTO Gala Concert Tonight

The Patricia and Arthur Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric and Lyric Opera Baltimore present Bravissimo Bel Canto for one performance only, tonight, April 13, 2013 at 8:00 PM.

The Lyric Foundation will announce the re-naming of its rehearsal hall during the event tonight, April 13, 2013. The new Mangione Family Education Center is an acknowledgement of Mary Mangione and the family's generous support of Lyric Opera Baltimore and educational programming at The Modell Lyric. Mary Mangione has provided tremendous support and awareness for grand opera, the arts and education in Baltimore.

"On behalf of the Lyric Foundation Board of Trustees I express my deep gratitude to Mary Mangione and her family for joining with us to ensure the future of opera and opera education for our city and state. We are proud to have their family join the Modell Lyric family in our historic theater by the naming of our new Mangione Family Education Center." - Ed Brody, Lyric Foundation Chair

Artistic Director James Harp commends the generosity of the Mangione family by saying: "The example of philanthropy and generosity that Mary Mangione and her family have shown is an inspiration to all of us working to rebuild opera and opera education for our community. Generations of opera lovers and students will benefit from this magnificent and visionary gift."

President Sandy Richmond echoes Mr. Harp's sentiments: "As a visionary and leader, there were few like Nick Mangione. The region is most fortunate that his wife, Mary, and their children and grandchildren have continued to be involved in so many numerous meaningful activities. Their understanding of the vital importance of supporting many of the local cultural institutions has been a true gift in every sense of the word, and for that we are all most grateful."

Mary Mangione is a life-long Baltimore resident who devoted her energy first to her family, and then to her passions for Italian culture, education and opera. In 1950, she married builder/developer, Nicholas B. Mangione, with whom she raised ten (10) children.

Her family was her career, though she was also an active member of the community. When the Mayor's Council of Sister Cities of Baltimore was initiated around 1980, she helped establish the sister-city with Genoa and helped organize student exchange programs. She is also an officer in the American Citizens for Italian Matters, where she participated in establishing endowment scholarships for needed qualified students at local colleges. In addition, Mary has spent countless volunteer hours with the Catholic Daughters of the Americas and she has been associated with the endeavors of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Loyola University, Greater Baltimore Medical Center and Lifebridge of Sinai Hospital. She was a longtime supporter of the Baltimore Opera Company and served on their board for over ten (10) years, as well as on the Walters Art Museum Board of Trustees.

Today, along with her ten grown children, she oversees every aspect of the Mangione Family Enterprises. This includes Lorien Health Systems, Turf Valley Country Club, Hayfields Golf Course and radio station WCBM.

Mary Mangione's son, John Mangione states: "My mother is always quick to point out that our father's hard work and discipline, along with her unending support, has allowed her and our family the good fortune to assist in such worthwhile endeavors. Mom's love of opera and the arts, particularly to support cultural education, is very special."

About Bravissimo Bel Canto: Inspired by the great musical and artistic salons of the 19th century, this concert, culled from great bel canto operas such as IL Barbiere di Siviglia, La Cenerentola, L'Italiana in Algeri, William Tell, and Don Pasquale will be presented in a delightfully themed presentation directed by Garnett Bruce. The lives of Figaro, Cinderella, Prince Charming and a host of other characters will come together in joyous melody.

The vocal glories of the Bel Canto period (Early 19th Century Italian opera) will be celebrated in this gala concert of arias and ensembles. The scintillating, soulful and bubbly melodies of Rossini, Donizetti and Bellini will entertain and thrill you in selections from these operas which almost always end "happily ever after!"

Bel canto specialists mezzo soprano Daniela Mack and tenor Alek Shrader (who are also husband and wife in real life) will head the lineup of bel canto stars including soprano Colleen Daly, baritone Daniel Belcher and basso Steven Condy. They will be accompanied by duo-pianists James Harp and Edward Polochick who will also offer some spectacular keyboard pyrotechnics of their own.

The Lyric Foundation, Inc. operates The Patricia and Arthur Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric (The Modell Lyric) and is steward of the historic Lyric Theatre, inaugurated in 1894 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. The Foundation is dedicated to raising funds in support of opera and the performing arts, education and outreach, and this historic building.

Bravissimo Bel Canto Gala Concert will play at The Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric, 140 West Mount Royal Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21201 tonight, April 13, 2013 at 8:00PM. Tickets range from $35 to $75 and are available online at www.ticketmaster.com. Or at The Modell Lyric box office from 10AM to 4PM, Monday through Friday. Call Audience Services at 410-900-1150 or call 410-547-SEAT (7328). Groups of 15 or more save! Call 410-900-1156. For more information visit: www.modellpac.com.