NY Gilbert & Sullivan Launches THE ART OF THE PATTER SONG Program Tonight

Join Albert Bergeret, Founder and Artistic Director of America's Preeminent Gilbert & Sullivan Repertory Ensemble, New YorK Gilbert & Sullivan Players, along with several NYGASP colleagues and G&S enthusiasts, as they launch a new educational component to their annual season of G&S events. The Art of the Patter Song, a new unique and enlightening 5-week course delving into the G&S repertoire begins today, October 15 (7PM).

The 5-week session will be classes of discovery featuring a series of discussions and demonstrations centering on classic Gilbert & Sullivan patter songs, their theatrical purpose, historical context, and the best techniques for interpreting them. Enrollees will be asked to analyze, evaluate, and express personal opinions about aspects of professional performance. Students will also have the opportunity to perform under Maestro Bergeret's nurturing tutelage and receive comment and feedback from professional Gilbert & Sullivan performers. Graduates with performance experience may be invited to join Company members at the NYGASP Patron Recital on December 8, 2013.

Albert Bergeret has made a professional specialty of Gilbert & Sullivan, having sung, conducted, directed, or designed every opera in the G&S canon over the past forty years, with professional companies, community groups, and college organizations. He has been hailed as "the leading custodian of the G&S classics" by New York Magazine, and his work as both stage and musical director has been widely acclaimed in the New York press as well as on tour throughout the United States.

Mr. Bergeret co-founded the New YorK Gilbert & Sullivan Players (NYGASP) in 1974 and has served as its Artistic Director/General Manager ever since, conducting and directing all of the company's repertory of thirteen G&S productions, as well as Gershwin's Of Thee I Sing. His boundless energy and clear understanding of the G&S genre have helped to shape the company's artistic output and to develop a loyal following for its annual performances at New York City Center in Manhattan as well as in other communities where NYGASP has toured.

The Art of the Patter Song, with Artistic Director Albert Bergeret and NYGASP professional colleagues, will meet Tuesday evenings: October 15, 22, 29 & November 12, 19 (7PM-9PM). Tuition: $200. Limited Enrollment. To apply email albert@nygasp.org or call the NYGASP office: 212-769-1000. Application Deadline October 1. Manhattan Location TBA.