(Bergen County, NJ) – The New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera (Verismo Opera) announces five vocalists have been selected to perform with the Verismo Opera Chorus. The following vocalists will sing with the Verismo Opera Chorus in the company’s production of Georges Bizet's Carmen on Sunday, April 26, 3:00 p.m., at the Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) in Englewood, New Jersey:
• Enrique Neves, baritone, Fort Lee
• Berthe Rene-Luke, alto, Englewood
• Briel Waxman, alto, Tenafly
• Mariel Vazquez, soprano, Clifton
• Samantha Ganz, soprano, Wayne
“The chorus is the backbone of every opera company. Each of the new chorus members adds his or her flavor to the character thereby enhancing the principals' artistry. Never underestimate the joy and learning experience of being a chorus artist. This can lead to a principal role,” said Lucine Amara, Artistic Director of Verismo Opera.
"All the vocalists underwent an audition earlier this year. They represent all ages and walks of life. Some vocalists sing for the love of it, with varying degrees of training and ability, but we all work together to support each other in the learning process,” said Mara Waldman, Director, Verismo Opera Chorus.
Under Amara, one of the Metropolitan Opera’s luminary performers, Verismo Opera begins its 26th season with the dramatic production Carmen set in Seville, Spain. See the audacious gypsy, Carmen, seduce Don Jose, who foolishly throws aside his honor and betrothed, Micaela, to lust after the gypsy siren. Bizet's immortal opera with its familiar arias is seductive, unfolding with emotions of lust, jealousy, despair and wild passions.
With the direction of Stage Director and Canadian soprano Evelyn La Quaif, the fully staged production will be presented with the cast singing in French. English supertitles will be provided.
A live orchestra will perform under the baton of Principal Conductor/Music Director Anthony Morss. Chorus Director Mara Waldman will direct the Verismo Opera Chorus. The cast will perform in period costumes designed by Catherine Mirabella and Barbara Konig.
Tickets may be purchased online at www.verismopera.org, at bergenPAC’s box office, located at 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, New Jersey, and by calling (201) 227-1030 or toll-free at 1-888-PACSHOW.
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 (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.
The organization provides performing opportunities for young musicians and artists through its semi-annual productions at the Bergen Performing Arts Center 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 about the nonprofit, tax-exempt organization, visit Verismo Opera's web site, www.verismopera.org or follow the company on Facebook, http://bit.ly/9JXTP8, or Twitter @NJVerismoOpera; or call (201) 886-0561.
