Opera Orlando Announces OPERA ON PARK Summer Line-Up

By: Jun. 05, 2017
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Orlando's second season begins not with the big and the bold but with the essence of its art form. "Opera on Park" features world-class artists up-close-and-personal at the at the University Club of Winter Park located at 841 N. Park Ave.

"This kind of setting is the true litmus test for an opera singer," explained Gabriel Preisser, Opera Orlando's Executive and Artistic Director who performed on the series last summer. -MORE- "Stripped bare of sets, costumes and makeup, there's nothing for the performer to 'hide' behind. Only the most dedicated opera professionals can succeed at this style of music-making."

Preisser has carefully selected his three featured artists and expects the 2017 edition of this popular presentation (Opera Orlando's predecessor Florida Opera Theatre began Opera on Park concerts in 2010) to be the finest to date. "Honestly, I was presently surprised we were able to sign up such wonderful artists. We have a Juilliard Graduate who has won multiple awards; a Grammy Award-winner; and a veteran of the Metropolitan Opera. Each jumped at the chance to offer a true operatic recital."

Soprano Kenneithia Mitchell, who performed during the year for Opera Orlando's Studio Artists, opens the series on August 6. After a family-move to central Florida, the Juilliard Music School Masters graduate sought a forum in which to perform locally.

"We're fortunate to have a high-quality roster of Studio Artists," said Preisser. "But my jaw dropped when I heard Kenneithia sing at our auditions. Hers is a voice that seems directly-wired to the listener's soul. I knew then and there that we needed to have her featured at Opera on Park."

Baritone Daniel Belcher, performing on August 13, is in the midst of a highly-successful national and international career. In 2011, he won his first Grammy Award in the category of "Best Opera Recording" for his work on Kaija Saariaho's "L'Amour de Loin", alongside of conductor Kent Nagano. He is a mainstay of the Houston Grand Opera and has performed key roles for the San Francisco Opera and the Lyric Opera of Kansas City.

"Dan belongs on the list of future greats in the operatic world," claimed Preisser. "We're very lucky to catch him right now. He is an artist of the highest rank."

Metropolitan Opera star soprano Wendy Bryn Harmer concludes Opera on Park with a concert on August 27. Her resume reads as it should for an opera singer at the summit of the art form. It includes numerous principal performances and HD Broadcasts for the Metropolitan Opera and standout performances for the Seattle Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Glimmerglass Opera and the San Francisco Symphony.

"Wendy doesn't need to come sing for us in Orlando to further her career," explained Preisser. "She's coming because she is adamant about supporting Opera Orlando and the life of the art form in central Florida. She has the generosity of spirit and artistry that only truly great performers can embody."

To make these kinds of presentations successful a great pianist is an essential musical partner. Exactly what Opera on Park is offering through Lynn Peghiny (August 6 & 13) and Robin Stamper (August 27). With 48 piano students and ongoing associations in Central Florida on the highest levels including the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park, Florida-native Peghiny is vital to the region's pianistic culture. Stamper is an opera man who served as Music Director for Orlando Opera and Florida Opera Theatre and currently serves as Managing Director and Chorus Master for Opera Tampa.

Tickets for Opera on Park are $30 per recital or $75 for the entire series. Purchase online at operaorlando. org/opera-on-park (where detailed biographies of the series' performers can be found), email info@operaorlando.org or call 407-512-1900. If still available, remaining seats will be sold at the door at each concert.



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