Published: September 05, 2008 01:43 pm            

Symphony's opera festival lands 4 acclaimed singers

By TOM LAVIS

TLAVIS@TRIBDEM.COM

The late Frank Pasquerilla planted a seed 16 years ago for live opera performances in Johnstown.

Under the careful nurturing of the philanthropist, and later his family, the annual festival has blossomed into one of the premier events and largest fundraisers for the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra.

The 16th edition, featuring four widely acclaimed singers, takes center stage at 7 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center, Richland Township.

“The success of the opera festival can be contributed to a lot of things, particularly the ability to attract a mix of seasoned artists and young performers who give their very best,” said symphony Maestro Istvan Jaray, in a telephone interview from Europe, where he is vacationing.

Joining the symphony and its chorus will be soprano Jane Jennings, mezzo-soprano MaryAnn McCormick, tenor Bruce Reed and baritone Anton Belov.

The festival is special because the symphony does not usually perform music associated with an opera.

“It’s a challenge because symphony music is the same from beginning to end with individual movements,” Jaray said. “Playing for an opera is more stop-and-go while accompanying the singers. It’s a challenge and a little more complex, but it is most enjoyable.”

Jennings has garnered praise for operatic portrayals ranging from Mozart’s delicate leading ladies to the sympathetic heroines in operas by Puccini and Verdi.

McCormick is enjoying an international career which already spans nearly two decades. During 2008-09, she returns again to the Metropolitan Opera, this time portraying Lola in “Cavalleria Rusticana” and Grimgerde in “Die Walküre.”

Reed has made a mark as one of America’s eminent tenors. He has performed with such large-scale companies as Lyric Opera of Chicago, San Diego Opera, Opera Company of Philadelphia, Opera Company of Boston, Pittsburgh Opera and the Canadian Opera.

Since winning the Young Concert Artists International Auditions in 2002, Moscow native Belov has expanded his career to reach major opera houses and concert halls across the United States.

Mixing opera and lighter fare in the same evening is appealing to the audience and the artists.

“This style of performance is unique,” Jaray said. “When I came up with the idea to add a lighter touch to the second half of the program, it was well-received by the artists and the audience gets to hear something really special.”

Jaray said another key to the festival’s success is the reputation it has gained throughout the opera world.

“When one singer tells another that you must go to this event, that says a lot,” Jaray said.

It also doesn’t hurt when world-renowned singers such as baritones Sherrill Milnes and Justino Diaz are enthusiastic about an event and venue.

“After performing in Johnstown, their response was: ‘I will come back anytime you want,’ ” Jaray said.

Karen Azer, festival chairwoman, said the evening’s menu of music will appeal to a very broad range of musical tastes.

“No one should be intimidated when they hear the word ‘opera,’ ” Azer said.

“The evening begins with favorite arias from many of the world’s most famous operas and, following an intermission, the audience will get to enjoy the lighter side of music with a repertoire of American art tunes and Broadway hits.”

During the past 15 years, the festival has earned more than $1.5 million toward the symphony orchestra’s annual operating budget.

“It accounts for 20 percent of our annual budget,” Azer said. “Out-of-town visitors who attend the festival are impressed by the caliber of our symphony and opera festival celebration.”

The theme for the festival is “Experience the Excellence of Opera.”

Joyce Murtha, wife of U.S. Rep. John P. Murtha, D-Johnstown, is honorary chairwoman for this year’s event.

As a supporter of the festival, Joyce Murtha sees enormous value in having a resident symphony.

“By celebrating the 80th anniversary year of the symphony, this is something that a city the size of Johnstown should be most proud,” she said.

In inviting friends from the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, she said it’s always a treat to see their reaction to the opera festival.

“We have friends who think nothing of going to see a five-hour opera,” she said.

“But they also delight to the lighter aspect of our festival.

“Then there are other friends who have never seen an opera but when they come to Johnstown, they love it.”

Jaray selects all the music for the performance.

“It takes literally months to determine the right pieces for each artist,” Jaray said.

“They send me suggestions, but I have to take into consideration how their voices will blend when those moments occur in the program when they sing together.

“There will be a nice mix of solos, duets, trios and quartets throughout the evening.”

Jaray suggested that the audience be prepared for a few surprises throughout the evening.

“I would probably look for a Russian bass to sing something out of the ordinary,” Jaray said. “We always try to do something that will put a smile on the faces of those people sitting in the audience.”

The fundraiser includes a full concert at the arts center followed by a dinner reception immediately after the performance at the Frank J. Pasquerilla Conference Center, downtown.

Ticket are $60 each for the concert only, and $150 for the concert and post-concert reception.

Tables of two, four, eight or 10 are available.

Everyone attending the concert will be offered an intermission buffet of fruits, cheeses and champagne.

The post-concert buffet features an open bar and live and silent auctions.

“We have a variety of items, including tickets to Pittsburgh Steelers games and signed Penguins game jerseys from Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin,” Azer said.

Jaray said the artists are generous with their time and enjoy the after-performance party.

“The artists are more than happy to meet and talk with the audience after the performance,” he said. “The singers are in high spirits after they sing and the party gives them an opportunity to cool down and mingle with patrons.”

One of the highlights of the opera festival for Jaray is the workshop/master class for invited students from area school districts.

It will be held at noon Sept. 18 at Richland High School.

Information: 535-6738.



Fundraiser

What: 16th annual Opera Festival.

Where: Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center, Richland Township.

When: 7 p.m. Sept. 20.

Cost: Concert only, $60; concert and post-performance party, $150.

Tickets: 535-6738.

        

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