New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera Presented Open House: An Afternoon of Aida

The New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera (Verismo Opera), the house opera company of the Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC), held its annual winter Open House: An Afternoon of Aida on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at 44 Armory Street in Englewood, New Jersey.

The program featured a brief performance. Opportunities were discussed to get involved in the nonprofit opera company, performing in the Verismo Opera Chorus, acting as supernumeraries in non-speaking and non-singing roles, and volunteering behind-the-scenes. Photos and a video highlighting Verismo Opera’s 28 years of producing grand operas, sponsoring an annual international vocal competition, presenting concerts, holding master classes, giving operalogues, and training the stars of tomorrow.

Meet Verismo Opera's Staff

Artistic Director and MET Opera luminary Lucine Amara, Music Director/Principal Conductor Lucy Arner, Stage Director Evelyn La Quaif, Chorus Director Michael Wittenburg and members of the board of trustees and staff discussed Verismo Opera’s mission, vision, and history. They introduced the grand opera company’s new 2017 production of Aida that will be performed on April 23, 2017 at bergenPAC, located at 30 North Van Brunt Street in Englewood, New Jersey, at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are now on sale and may be purchased at www.bergenpac.org, in person at the theatre'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.

Verismo Opera Chorus Auditions

The Verismo Opera Chorus held auditions at the end of the program around 3:00 p.m. Male singers, representing all vocal ranges and ages, were especially needed. Adult applicants needed a rudimentary working ability to read music and experience singing. Teenagers, ages 17 to 19, were invited to audition for the Verismo Opera Chorus and were required to read music and have some prior vocal experience singing with a school, choir, or another performing group or organization. Previous stage experience and foreign language study were desirable.

The audition consisted of singing five note scales. During the audition process, each singer's range and vocal category were determined. Applicants did not need to bring a song or music to the audition. For future use, an application may be downloaded. For information audition for the chorus in the future, call (201) 886-0561 or contact info@verismopera.org.

The bergenPAC site is handicapped accessible. Designated handicapped parking spaces are available on the street. The New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera is committed to ensuring its programs and services are accessible to all. Members of the public 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 event.

For further information about Verismo Opera, call (201) 886-0561 or send an e-mail.

Photo Credit: Marilyn Monsanto