By Jill Yesko , University Relations
Internationally acclaimed tenor, Dr. William Martin, will perform at the UNCG Alumni Opera Gala Nov. 9 and 11.
A selection of opera’s best-loved and most recognized music will be performed by a stellar cast of internationally renowned singers and musicians as part of a festive Alumni Opera Gala.
The performance, titled “Bravi, tutti!”: thank-you, everyone; will be held Thursday, Nov. 9, and Saturday, Nov. 11, at 7:30 p.m. at the School of Music at UNCG.
This is the first time the event will be presented as a gala. Proceeds will benefit programs and scholarships at the School of Music.
Arias from iconic operas such as “Carmen,” “Don Giovanni,” “Rigoletto,” “Pagliacci,” “Cosi fan tutte” and “La Boheme” will be performed by distinguished UNCG alumni.
Highlighting the program will be Dr. William Martin, winner of the prestigious Bel Canto Foundation Competition Grand Prize Award. Martin, who received his doctorate in music from UNCG, has sung over 400 performances of 25 leading operatic roles in Germany where he lived for nine years. In the United States, Martin, a tenor, has sung leading roles with the Chicago Opera Theater, the Milwaukee Opera Company and the Asheville Lyric Opera.
The Fibonacci Chamber Orchestra, under the baton of musical director Matthew Troy, will accompany the performers. Troy holds a Master of Music degree in Orchestral Conducting from UNCG. He is the education and community engagement director of the Winston-Salem Symphony and a member of the Conductor’s Guild. In 2006, Troy was selected to compete in the Jordania International Conducting Competition as one of only 24 competitors from 24 countries.
“It’s a rare and delightful event that brings together so many performers who honed their craft at the UNCG School of Music,” said David Holley, professor of music and director of opera at UNCG. “This gala shows that opera is alive and well and thriving in the Carolinas.”
In addition to William Martin, other vocal performers include: Ann Marie Wilcox, Donald Hartmann, Polly Butler-Cornelius, Brian Carter and Asheboro native Karen Coker.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $11 for seniors and $6 for students and are available by visiting www.uncg.edu/mus. Tickets are also available through the UNCG box office: http://boxoffice.uncg.edu/tickets or by calling (336) 334-4849.
