Sometimes, the arts and local governments can create beautiful music together!
San Diego Opera has announced a new collaboration with their local City Council, making three-opera subscriptions available to nine students selected from each of the city’s districts. This innovative program creates an opportunity to not only expose young music lovers (and their adult guests) to opera just once, but to give them a chance to connect with the art form over a series of experiences.
Bravo to SDO and their fair city for a little out-of-the-box thinking and creating an educational program with the potential to bring a real and lasting love of opera to its selected participants.
Press release follows, including an outline of their current season.
La Cenerentola continues this weekend!
San Diego Opera and Councilmember Sherman Announce Return of My Voice in the Arts
Successful partnership with San Diego City Council Provides Opera Subscriptions to Students in Each Council District
San Diego, CA – San Diego Opera and the San Diego City Council is pleased to announce the second year of My Voice in the Arts, an educational program that provides free season subscriptions to San Diego Opera performances to middle or high-school students (plus their chaperones) in each of the nine San Diego city council districts. My Voice in the Arts, under the guidance of 7th District Councilmember Scott Sherman, and supported by Councilmember Lori Zapf (District 2), Councilmember Mark Kersey (District 5), and Councilmember Chris Cate (District 6), and Councilmember Marti Emerald (District 9) will provide comprehensive arts education to all areas of San Diego youth.
My Voice in the Arts is open to all students within the city of San Diego between grades 6 and 12. Students will be asked to submit responses to the prompt:
“Describe a time when you were affected by the arts”
Students must complete an application and submit a written response to San Diego Opera. After the submission deadline on December 16, 2016, all submissions will be reviewed by a committee of arts educators, artists, art administrators, and council representatives. Winners will be contacted by January 18, 2017. Students and their chaperones will receive orchestra level seats to Falstaff, The Tragedy of Carmen, and La traviata. Students will also have the opportunity to take backstage tours, attend closed rehearsals, and meet civic leaders, arts leaders, and other opera supporters.
Last year’s winners covered topics that ranged from attending theatre to discovering cosplay (the act of dressing up in costumes and accessories as a fictional character from movies or books), to singing for patients in hospice care.
“I am delighted to partner again with Councilmembers Zapf, Cate, Kersey, and Emerald to bring back for another year, My Voice in the Arts,” shares Councilmember Scott Sherman. “After the overwhelming success of last year it seemed only natural to continue this program for another year.”
“When I first heard about My Voice in the Arts, I was beyond eager to participate. I had a chance to attend operas for the first time, and all I had to do was write. I was excited because I got to mix my love of music and writing to create a paper about the effect music had on my life.” shares first year participant Karrin Evans. “I had never been to an opera before this program, and I had wanted to go to one. I got to see three different operas. They were all very well written, and attending them was truly a magical experience. I am very thankful for the My Voice in the Arts program, because it gave me an experience I’ll never forget.”
For more information about My Voice in the Arts, or to submit your entry, visit: https://www.sdopera.org/education/my-voice-in-the-arts
The 2016-2017 International Season
Piotr Beczala in Recital
September 17, 2016
La Cenerentola (Cinderella)
Gioachino Rossini
October 22, 25, 28 and 30 (mat), 2016
Soldier Songs
David T. Little
November 11, 12 and 13 (mat), 2016
Falstaff
Giuseppe Verdi
February 18, 21, 25 and 26 (mat), 2017
La Tragédie de Carmen
Georges Bizet/Peter Brook
March 10, 11 and 12 (mat) 2017
La traviata
Giuseppe Verdi
April 22, 25, 28 and 30 (mat), 2017
San Diego Opera Mission Statement
The mission of San Diego Opera is to deliver exceptional vocal performances and exciting, accessible programs to diverse audiences, focusing on community engagement and the transformative power of live performance.
San Diego Opera Vision Statement
The San Diego Opera will be recognized internationally as a leading example of adaptability, innovation and sustainability in the operatic arts, promoting diversified programming and unique performance venues with world-class and emerging talent.
San Diego Opera Core Values Statement
Through excellence in innovative programming and education, SDO provides a lasting cultural service to the community.
- Our tradition of excellence in fully staged opera is augmented with new models of opera and venues. Our unique and deep commitment to the community propels us to explore ways of increasing affordability and accessibility.
- Through fiscal responsibility and nimble adaptation to the changing marketplace, we protect the future of San Diego Opera.
- Our educational and community involvement coupled with relevant programming will build the audience of the future.
www.sdopera.org
Featured San Diego image by John Endris / FreeImages
