Bel Cantanti Opera and Catholic University of America joint Summer Music Festival 2010

Bel Cantanti Opera in collaboration with the Catholic University of America is announcing its third annual Summer Opera Festival, an intensive two week pay-to-sing program for the young professionals.

This year workshop will be held at CUA, Washington DC, June 5 through June 20, 2010.

Twenty three singers from Pennsylvania, Boston, Canada, Texas, Wisconsin and Washington DC area are selected for participating in the festival this year.

Faculty and guest artists: Katerina Souvorova - BCO director, producer, opera coach; Rick Christman - voice technician; Shari Anderson - voice technician; Debbie Niezgoda - stage director, Henriette Lund - German diction (Die Zauberflote); Nicholas Catravas - rehearsal pianist, coach; David Ballena - pianist, coach; Kayme Henkel - pianist, accompanist; Yufen Chou - pianist, accompanist; Francois Loup - Recitative in opera; Delores Ziegler - masterclass; Sharon Christman - vocal technique, masterclass; Fabiana Bravo - Italian diction, Bel Canto, masterclass; Rick Christman - vocal technique; Shari Anderson, vocal technique, masterclass; Paul McIlvane - business class; Giovanni Reggioli, WNO - masterclass; Katerina Souvorova: - Russian Diction.

W. Mozart Die Zauberflote

Friday, June 18, 7:30pm at Ward Recital Hall, Catholic University of America, 620 Michigan Ave, N.E., Washington, D.C., 20064

Sunday, June 20, 6.00pm, Ward Recital Hall, Catholic University of America, 620 Michigan Ave, N.E., Washington, D.C., 20064

An Afternoon of Arias and Art Songs

A concert performed by the participants of the Summer Festival and its faculty.

Saturday, June 19, 3.00pm, Ward Recital Hall, Catholic University of America, 620 Michigan Ave, N.E., Washington, D.C., 20064

E. Humperdink Hansel and Gretel

Saturday, June 19, 7:30pm at Ward Recital Hall, Catholic University of America, 620 Michigan Ave, N.E., Washington, D.C., 20064

Sunday, June 20, 3.00pm, Ward Recital Hall, Catholic University of America, 620 Michigan Ave, N.E., Washington, D.C., 20064

Click for directions to Catholic University.

Tickets: Adult:$20, Student:$10. Buy tickets online

Information about tickets : (301) 266-7546 or tickets@belcantanti.com

G. Bizet Carmen

“As Carmen, mezzo-soprano MyeongSook Park turned in a fine, saucy performance with a sultry voice and demeanor that breathed new life into her already lively character. As Don José, the hapless corporal who’s Carmen’s latest target of opportunity, Hansu Kim’s mature, fully developed tenor voice provided just the right counterpoint to his feisty love interest... Baritone Robert Burner’s swaggering toreador, Escamillo, radiated alpha-male authority and sexual maturity with his strong, self-assured, and well-supported voice. And as Micaëla, the opera’s “good girl” and Jose’s discarded fiancée, soprano Angela Marchese nearly stole the show with sweet, mature, beautifully nuanced performance...”      By Terry Ponick, Washington Times (read a complete review).

“Carmen is in the house. And thanks to the Bel Cantanti Opera, the gypsy woman is still crimson and kind of cool. Sure, she loves 'em and leaves 'em, and has a penchant for slicing and dicing any broad who gets in her way. But when she starts singing, all is forgotten — or at least forgiven..."      Karen Schafer, Gazette (read a full article)

F. Handel Giulio Cesare

"... As Cesare, countertenor Nicholas Tamagna handled his complex runs and vocal ornaments fluently through all eight of his arias. Soprano Bridgid Eversole was his equal as Cleopatra, with eight arias of her own -- beautifully playing the coquette, the manipulator and the tragic heroine. The Mozartean duet in which she realizes that she actually loves Cesare was wonderfully intertwined..."      By Mark J. Estren, Washington Post. (read complete review)

"...Bel Cantanti is highlighting a young American countertenor as Cesare, Nicholas Tamagna, who looks to be one of the most remarkable performers in his vocal range to emerge over the last few decades... There's nothing in this difficult role (Cleopatra), including lovely sustained soft tones, easy fioritura and a liquid trill, that Bridgid Eversole couldn't manage...Francesca Aguado's (Sesto) mezzo sound is very solid...there is something in the tone color and the excellent support, which suggests that a larger career may be in the offing..."     By Richard Garmise, Opera Britannia. (read complete review)

Giulio Cesare: Nicholas Tamagna, Cleopatra: Bridgid Eversole, Tolomeo: Biraj Barkakaty, Cornelia: Anamer Castrello, Sesto: Tammy Coil, Francesca Aguado, Achilla: Eric Black, Nireno: Sean Pflueger, Curio: Charles Hyland.

Stage Director: Deborah Niezgoda, Costume Designer: Kathleen McGhee, Artistic Director, Producer: Katerina Souvorova