St. Petersburg Opera Hosts 'Opera Idol' 11/20

Calling all Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Piers Morgan wannabes: St. Petersburg Opera has some talented singers to show off!

On Saturday, November 20, 2010, at 7:00 PM, fifteen singers will perform at Studio @620 in St. Petersburg Opera's version of "Opera Idol." These young singers have been participating in a series of workshops led by Maestro Mark Sforzini in which they have received extensive coaching in interpretation and performance techniques. In addition to over 12 hours of group sessions, each singer worked with Maestro Sforzini one-on-one. These workshops and coachings were made possible by a generous gift from the Florida Suncoast Opera Guild, as part of their Education Sponsorship for the 2010-2011 Season of St. Petersburg Opera.

Performing on the Nov. 20 program will be four St. Petersburg College Students:, Lauren Harbaugh, Linda Hines, Thomas Massey, and Erica Van Gordon; four USF students: Sarah Coit, Sarah Hageman, Ricky Marenda, and Courtney Jo Sousa; and community members: Yetta Bednarz, Michelle Moore, Melissa Misener, Caroline Ogle, Joseph Peterson, Joshua Quinn and Michelle Rego. Each singer will perform one selection with piano accompaniment. Expect to hear famous opera arias as well as some lesser known jewels of the repertoire and a few surprises. Audience members will vote for an audience choice award. The program will last approximately 100 minutes.

Studio@620 is located at 620 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg,
Performance at 7:00 PM
Tickets are $15 ($10 seniors and $8 students with valid student ID).

Tickets may be purchased in advance on either
St. Petersburg Opera's website, www.stpeteopera.org or
Studio @620's website, www.Studio620.org or
by telephone at 727-823-2040.