EAST COUNTY Observer
YourObserver.com
THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012
“It’s better late than never,” said veteran opera performer Frank Maggese, left, with Kelsey Yantzer, of participating in the program. “I want to get it right — get the nuances down and add the acting to the singing. It is a total art form.”
OASIS/PAGE 1 and a final performance Saturday, June 23, at the Palm-Aire Golf & Country Club. “(They chose) for us a repertoire that challenges all of us to grow as singers and (actors),” Hollick said. “Some of the music is definitely something we will do in the future. “You can sing something just standing there, but it’s different when you have to put motion with it,” she said. Participants began learning works by Giacomo Puccini, Vincenzo Bellini and Giuseppe Verdi, among others, three months ago in preparation for the training.
“When you go to school, the main thing you learn is vocal technique through a solo,” Sparrow said. “We’re taking their arias and putting them on their feet. You have to relate to people on stage. They don’t get that a lot in college.” Student Lorena Vargas, who attends Florida Gulf Coast University, agreed, adding she had performed primarily as a recital singer. “I haven’t been able to fully throw myself into a character (before this),” Vargas said. “I’ve learned a lot of character development and technique. It’s very important to have (that training).” Fellow singer Ricky Marenda
deal it formally approved June 19. Commissioners said they may turn the parcel into a county park, although no detailed plans have been discussed for the property. “I’m so glad to have closure before the end of my term,” Manatee County District 5 Commissioner Donna Hayes said of the dispute. “I feel this is something that’s been dragging on for many, many years. It’s a done deal now. If, in the future, we find the funding to build the bridge, we have the property to do it.” The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners voted to use eminent domain to take the original 3.86-acre parcel in June 2009. Development plans for the property, owned by John Neal of John Neal Homes and his business partner, Charles Varah, had been on hold since 2004, because the county was undecided about taking the land for the bridge. Developers said the taking rendered the adjoining property useless, prompting the agreement that was approved last week. Neal said he was glad to have the issue resolved and is busy working on other projects. “I really support the county’s building of infrastructure because it’s the organization that plans for the future,” Neal said. “I think that’s what county dollars are meant for.” Although the Tara Bridge is a project of record with the county, there is no funding set aside for it.
By the numbers 8 — Number of years the
county has been discussing the project.
96,975 — Cost in dollars for attorneys fees related to the $1,739,000 settlement agreement for the taking of 3.86 acres for the proposed Tara Bridge. 511,850 — Amount in dollars the county paid for a 22.6-acre parcel purchased June 19. 1.07 — In millions, the
cost of a 3.86-acre parcel purchased by the county through eminent domain proceedings.
The Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization in September voted 12-3 to place the Tara Bridge back on its 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan’s list of unfunded needs, after removing it from the list in December 2010. Residents of the Tara and University Park communities, in particular, have expressed opposition to the bridge as it has come before commissioners over the years. The majority of commissioners, however, believes the bridge will be needed in the future to relieve congestion on other north-south roadways and to improve emergency services for residents near the proposed bridge. Contact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@yourobserver.com.
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agreed, noting he came to the program in hopes of correcting challenges he’s had vocally. “It’s been amazing,” he said. “They helped me improve so much in a short time.” Students said they were eager to glean every insight — whether performance- or business-related — they could from Locke and Sparrow, who have performed lead roles in operas all over the world. “They know the roles and the music, but they also know the business,” Vargas said. Hollick agreed. “They’ve had all the experience we’re all looking to have,” she said. “It’s nice to have that kind of information. They have an idea of almost everything we could go through at some point. You need to know how to think on your feet a little.” Sparrow and Locke decided to launch the OASIS Young Artist Program as a way to provide opera training to young professionals while raising funds for their non-profit, which started more than 10 years ago. The non-profit donates money to area animalwelfare groups. “It’s another way for us to give back to the next group of singers,” Sparrow said. “All of these (participants) are animal-lovers. They can learn their craft and know the money they are paying supports animal welfare. We were excited to do it.” Contact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@yourobserver.com.
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