originally published: 12/11/2014
(Bergen County, NJ)-- If you enjoy singing and want to perform on the stage in professional productions, the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera, the house opera company of the Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC), invites you to audition for the Verismo Opera Chorus. Artistic Director Lucine Amara announces professional, amateur, and retired professional male and female vocalists of all ages may audition for the chorus on January 14, 21 and 28, 2015, beginning at 6:15 p.m. An audition appointment is required and must be made in advance.
Auditions for the chorus will be held at 44 Armory Street in Englewood, New Jersey. An accompanist will be provided. The building is handicapped accessible and designated handicapped parking is available in the lot. The New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera is committed to ensuring that its programs and services are accessible. Vocalists requiring a special accommodation or with specific questions about the physical features of a facility where Verismo Opera performs may call (201) 886-0561 at least two weeks prior to the audition.
During the company’s 26th season, choristers will perform in the company’s productions of George Bizet's Carmen on Sunday, April 26, 2015 and Gaetano Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor on Sunday, October 18, 2015. Both operas will be presented at 3 p.m. at bergenPAC, located at 30 North Van Brunt Street, in Englewood, New Jersey.
Male choristers, representing all vocal ranges and ages, are especially needed. Applicants should have a rudimentary working ability to read music and experience singing. An application may be downloaded at www.verismopera.org. For information or to schedule an appointment to audition for the chorus, call (201) 886-0561.
Under Chorus Director Mara Waldman, vocalists will sing in Italian and perform live at bergenPAC. The operas will be fully staged and performed in costume accompanied by an orchestra under internationally renowned Principal Conductor/Music Director Anthony Morss.
Funding The 2015 season is made possible, in part, with funds provided by the New Jersey Council on the Arts/Department of State, through grand funds administered by the Bergen County Department of Parks, Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs. Other supporters include Children’s Aid Foundation, Robert J. Campbell, MD, Cesare L. Santeramo, KSJ, Paul Weiss Matching Fund, The Gerda Lissner Foundation, Inc., and Vanguard Charitable Endowment Fund.
About New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera For 26 years, the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera has been an integral part of the region’s classical music culture. Led by Metropolitan Opera luminary Lucine Amara, Verismo Opera delivers a rich, grand opera experience for performers and viewers.
As the Bergen Performing Arts Center's house opera company, Verismo Opera provides performing opportunities for young musicians and artists through its semi-annual productions at the theatre and concerts held in community settings. Community members are invited to get involved as supernumeraries and volunteers.
An annual international vocal competition is conducted in November with finals generally drawing artists throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. Verismo Opera also organizes opera workshops, master classes and concerts and offers affordable, highly professional productions.
For more information, visit Verismo Opera's web site, www.verismopera.org; follow the company on Facebook, http://bit.ly/9JXTP8, or Twitter @NJVerismoOpera; or call (201) 886-0561.
