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Rising Opera Stars Reach Out

WFLA photo by MICHAEL EGGER

Legendary baritone Sherrill Milnes, left, coaches Opera Tampa apprentice Gregg Bruce Wednesday in preparation for this weekend's performance at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.

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By KATIE CORONADO | News Channel 8

Published: February 26, 2009

TAMPA - They're chosen from among thousands to study at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center before they make their big leap to opera stardom. But for Opera Tampa's seven apprentices, it's about more than just performing. The program gives the singers a chance to use their powerful voices to enlighten an entire community.

Maria Zouves, associate general director for Opera Tampa, said it's a great opportunity for the young vocalists. "This is their tipping point," she said. "They're young, professional-type singers who still need to cook a little bit."

Legendary baritone Sherrill Milnes, who is considered royalty in the opera world, mentors the young singers as Opera Tampa's artistic adviser.

A big part of their mission is to serve as ambassadors in the Tampa Bay area, spreading the word about the beauty of opera. In "churches, hospitals [and] retirement communities, we work with our partners … and inspire them with great live singing, no microphones," said Zouves.

The singers introduce opera to new ears, and at no cost. Apprentice Lauren Jelencovich, a soprano from New York, said she enjoys reaching out, especially to children. "We went to middle schools and high schools with kids that are little bit involved in musical theater, and [we] try to give them hope if that's something they want to do," she said.

Apprentice Gregg Bruce, a baritone from Washington, D.C., said his main goal is connecting with children. The highlight for him, he said, is "to see the kids light up, and to know that maybe they recognize songs they've heard before, and for them actually enjoy coming to the opera."

"It's part of our commitment, as Patel Conservatory and Opera Tampa, to reach out with the arts," said Zouves. "We are raising the Pavarottis of tomorrow."

For tomorrow's stars, the future starts now. The apprentices — many making their professional debuts — will perform this weekend in Giacomo Puccini's "Suor Angelica" and "Gianni Schicchi." Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the center's Ferguson Hall, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa. Call (813) 229-7827 for tickets, or for more details on the event, go to TBO.com, keyword: Opera.

To request volunteer opera performances, call (813) 222-1003 or go to www.operatampa.org.

Reporter Katie Coronado can be reached at (813) 259-7197.

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