The Opera Buffs Inc., celebrating their 41st season supporting young, emerging opera singers in Southern California, held their opening season recital and party at MiMoDa Studio.
Six opera singers were invited to perform with accompaniment by Brent McMunn on piano. Thanks to Opera Buffs, these six singers, among many others, are past grant recipients having been provided financial support for their artistic endeavors, as well as opportunities for professional mentorship and live performance within the LA community. The Opera Buffs fill a niche generally not served by opera companies, competitions and music schools. Their motto is "we believe that of all the musical instruments, the human voice is the most sublime, and that helping the exceptionally talented artist reach the operatic stage is a mission worthy of our utmost effort and full dedication." Here are just a few of the opera singers who benefited from their support and are now big-time - Angel Blue, Charles Castronovo, Joshua Guerrero, Greg Fedderly, Deborah Voigt, and Rodell Rosel. Rosel presently has a featured role in Madame Butterfly at LA Opera.
The recital program was set up so that each singer was given an opportunity to sing at least one solo piece. There was also two duets and two ensemble songs.
The invited performers showcasing their amazing talents were two tenors (Gonzalo Ochoa Camerena, Emesh Wijewardena), three sopranos (Sabrina Langlois, Thalia Moore, Sunwoo Park), and baritone Edward Tavalin.
One of the bright spots, of many at the recital, was Ochoa Camerena's rendition of "Ah, mes amis" from La file du regiment by Donizetti. Luciano Pavarotti was smiling down from up above in approval. This piece was a great way to kick things off.
Kudos also go out to Moore and her soulful interpretation of two songs - "Dying" by Rosephanye Powell and "Give Me No Body Without Your Soul" from Blue Steel by William Grant Still.
In preparation for the recital, each singer presented around ten songs to McMunn and he then chose the best song(s) suited to each performer.
All of the other solo pieces and duets were beautifully sung, appropriately ending the program with all six singers singing "Once again we must be gone" from Candide by Leonard Bernstein. A song from Candide is always a wise choice to include on a program and to utilize as a finale.
After the program, audience members were given an opportunity to have a meet and greet with the singers.
A great way to conclude the evening festivities.
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