WEST ORANGE OBSERVER
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Senior Alex Sheffield was cast for the role of Mrs. Gobineau in Windermere Prep’s opera production, “The Medium.”
OrangeObserver.com
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019
Student headshots by Carey Sheffield
Junior Maria Gullersserian played Mrs. Nolan in Windermere Prep’s opera production, “The Medium.”
Junior Sophia Bresciani will be singing “Monica’s Waltz” at the concert. She played the role of Monica in Windermere Prep’s opera production, “The Medium.”
Concert set for Saturday really able to dive into what being in an opera actually is like profesMedium,’” said Jason King,Win- sionally,” Bresciani said. “I think dermere Prep’s director of fine that working (with) the people arts. “We are thrilled to partner from Opera Orlando will really with Opera Orlando. We know help us learn more about (profesthat introducing our kids to all art sional opera). … I’m also really forms, providing them the oppor- looking forward to (learning) the tunity to collaborate on the stage vocal techniques and just to learn with international talent, is truly about their own experience with invaluable and life molding.” opera...” she said. Senior Alex Sheffield and “I’m looking forward to getjuniors Sophia Bresciani and ting to work with professionals, Maria Gullesserian are three of especially professionals as highly the five students who will be acclaimed as they are,” Sheffield performing at the concert. Each said. “I’m excited to learn new of the girls had a role in Winder- techniques and really develop mere Prep’s production of “The my voice with them. … Singing Medium,” and they’re excited to opera whilst acting is very diftake part in another night of opera ficult because there’s so much at their school. support required for opera and “Doing ‘The Medium,’ we’ve there’s so much control that you already had a little bit of experi- have to have over your voice. You ence (with opera), but since we need to remember to maintain had a really5932-77750 short period of time for that while you’re moving4:45 around Friday Night Ice Ad 10p375x8.pdf 1 10/17/19 PM rehearsals and all that, we weren’t and while you’re still performing CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
and portraying emotions.” Gullesserian said before her experiences in “The Medium,” she thought opera was just a different style of singing. That sentiment changed when she realized that opera also requires a vocalist to convey emotions through singing. “I used to think that, with opera, it was mostly singing and not reacting or being as dramatic as like theater,” Gullesserian said. “But the intensity in which (we) were singing actually allowed me to cry and sing at the same time. … I feel like you can hear the emotions not only with (expressions on) your face but with the way you’re singing things. … You can hear what you’re feeling.” In addition to the students hitting the stage, the concert also will feature Italian opera conductor Nicolas Giusti, who is a master of the Italian style of opera, as
Nicolas Giusti is a world-renowned pianist and opera conductor, as well as a master of the Italian style of opera.
OPERA ORLANDO IN CONCERT WHEN: 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 26 WHERE: Cypress Center for the Performing Arts at Windermere Prep; 6189 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Windermere COST: $22, includes light appetizers and drinks TICKETS: bit.ly/2mRKPOV
well as a world-renowned pianist. He will be playing piano and conducting at the concert and he’ll also be acting as a mentor to the students. He said he loves working with and encouraging aspiring young vocalists, because they are the future of the art form of opera. “I am excited because I love the young people,” Giusti said. “We have to consider the young people as our future, and we have to give them all we can, because without young people — children and
Gaberiel Preisser is the executive director and “resident baritone” of Opera Orlando.
young (adults) — we don’t have a future, we don’t have a life, we don’t have a world and we don’t have music, of course. … My goal is to encourage young people to consider the music, the arts and especially the opera as an important part of their lives.” Giusti also will be joined by Opera Orlando Executive Director Gabriel Preisser, who is the organization’s “resident baritone.” Giusti and Preisser will perform a concert of operatic arias, duets and ensembles alongside the students. “We know that this is the beginning of a wonderful long-term partnership with the students and faculty at Windermere Prep, and we are so grateful to them for having us,” Preisser said. “They have a beautiful venue and a talented array of students who are eager to launch their careers in the arts. It is our privilege to provide formative opportunities, like this concert, that will certainly enrich the students’ lives and also enrich our entire community.”
You’re invited to
Come by and join us for a refreshing treat from Jeremiah's Italian Ice on us!
Date: November 8, 2019 Time: 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm 17000 Porter Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (Corner of Porter Road and Avalon Road)
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