Verismo Opera Awarded Grant

The New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera, a nonprofit organization based in Fort Lee, New Jersey, has been awarded a grant from the Bergen County Division of Cultural & Historic Affairs. Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco and the Freeholders awarded more than $86,000 in grants for local arts groups in Bergen County, New Jersey.

New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera's Treasurer, Giovanni Simone, attended the 2016 Bergen County Arts Awards Ceremony in Hackensack, New Jersey. Cynthia Forster, Director of the Division, presented him the organization's grant award.

The ceremony, organized by the Department of Parks and the Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs, honored 33 Bergen County, New Jersey-based non-profit arts organizations that are currently participating in the 2016 Bergen County Local Arts Grant Program. The Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs regranted $86,640 from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts to the qualifying non-profit organizations. The competitive application process was available to Bergen County based non-profits that presented arts programming to the public for at least two years.

Lucine Amara

Last year, Verismo Opera's Artistic Director, Lucine Amara, was recognized with the Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Division of Cultural & Historic Affairs' first Artistic Excellence Award at the Bergen County, New Jersey Awards Ceremony. Ms. Amara, a Metropolitan Opera legend, was recognized for her contributions to the opera world and over 70 years performing throughout the world.

Concert Series

The New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera will use the grant to develop and implement Verismo Opera in the Community. The project will present opera concerts to community-based organizations' constituents throughout Bergen County, New Jersey; provide training for area vocalists to sing in the Verismo Opera Chorus and the company's productions at the Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) in Englewood, New Jersey; and offer two free master classes for singers accepted to the preliminary auditions of the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera's 28th Annual International Vocal Competition.

The expanded community concert series will provide performances to people with developmental, physical and mental health challenges at area nonprofits. The concert series will also introduce opera to seniors, youngsters and families serviced in libraries, senior citizen facilities, and other locations.

Rigoletto Coming to bergenPAC

Verismo Opera, the bergenPAC's house opera company, will perform Giuseppe Verdi's Rigoletto on October 23 at 3:00 p.m. at the theatre. Tickets are now on sale and may be purchased at the box office, located at 30 North Van Brunt Street in Englewood, New Jersey, or online.

The opera company is committed to ensuring that its programs and services are accessible to all. Designated handicapped parking is available. Patrons with specific questions about the physical features of a facility where Verismo Opera performs or requiring a special accommodation should contact us at least two weeks prior to an event.

For information about Verismo Opera, the summer concert series, and other details, send an e-mail or visit the organization's web site. To receive notifications about Verismo Opera's upcoming concerts, productions, events, activities, auditions, annual international vocal competition, and opportunities, subscribe to the organization's monthly newsletter and follow the organization on Facebook and Twitter.