OPERA WESTERN RESERVE 2nd performance set for Nov. 11

Being an educational resource and using local talent are two missions.
By L. CROW
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
YOUNGSTOWN -- Opera Western Reserve, in partnership with the Youngstown Opera Guild and Stambaugh Auditorium, Thursday announced its second performance: a production of Puccini's "La Boh & egrave;me." It will be staged at Stambaugh Auditorium on Nov. 11.
Directed by David Vosburgh and under the musical direction of Susan Davenny Wyner, the opera showcases local talent. Now in its second year, OWR was created as a subcommittee of the Opera Guild, and is now a separate entity. The OWR does one performance a year, but plans to expand to two.
"Our mission is to produce and present the highest quality opera to the area, and provide a performance platform for local and regional talent," says James Boyd, OWR general director. In addition to soloists, the production uses local symphony and choral musicians.
Boyd said another aspect of its mission is to foster relationships with other organizations, and to be an educational resource.
"The Italian Scholarship League is our main sponsor," said Boyd. "Without them, we would not be here."
$10,000 check
Michael Iberis, president of the League, presented OWR with a check for $10,000. The Opera Guild will also host its Giorgio Tozzi Scholarship Gala Dinner on the night of the performance to benefit the Tozzi Scholarship Fund.
Carla Infante, president of the Opera Guild, said its goal is to bring opera to the community.
"We will award a $1,000 full-time scholarship to a YSU opera student," she said. "But we also now offer a $500 part-time scholarship because many students are unable to go to school full-time."
In addition to providing money for education, OWR also has an Education and Outreach division, directed by Corinne Morini. It has a special treat planned for area students during the opera's dress rehearsal Nov. 9.
"We are expanding from last year's open dress rehearsal, and plan to fill the hall with activities," said Morini. "Beginning at 5:30, we will have an 'instrumental petting zoo' where students can get up close to the orchestral instruments. We will also have an instrument building game. There will be a scavenger hunt, too. We want to break the barrier between performers and students."
Morini said the activities are free and open to all area students and teachers, stressing that it is not limited to those in band or chorus. A $5 donation is requested from any accompanying adults.
Performers and audience alike will benefit from the newly renovated auditorium. A lift has been installed to raise scenery, staging and instruments from the lower levels to the stage, which is at mezzanine level, and the orchestra pit area will be enlarged.