FLORIDA SUNCOAST OPERA GUILD
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Silver Bells was a huge success this year, and one might say best ever! We exceeded our profits from other years and are in a better position to offer enhanced prizes for our competitions. Maestro Mark Sforzini and his troupe presented a delightful show of songs from Naples , accompanied by an orchestral ensemble of 7 and even a preview of some of the fabulous costumes to be used in the upcoming Cosi fan tutte in mid-January. Thank you Lori van der Linden for so ably chairing this memorable event. A special thank you to Nancy Preis for designing and printing the beautiful program. Our Cultural Award 2009 was presented to Dar Webb and Clint Page who have been generous patrons of the arts and who sponsored the prestigious chamber music series at the Palladium and were supporters of opera productions there among other cultural endeavors in this community. We laud them. And in Chairman Lori van der Linden ’s own words:
Thanks to the combined efforts of so many people, Silver Bells was a rousing success. Carol Ellis, along with her committee of Polly Jones, Susanna Bellafante, Louise Garrigues and Freda Caley, did a wonderful job of taking care of the reservations and seating for the event. As usual, Maestro Mark Sforzini directed his performers masterfully in their special presentation of Neapolitan Holiday, which he created specifically for Florida Suncoast Opera Guild. Ellie Pritchard and Bill and Carol Pickering outdid themselves with the offerings for the Silent Auction and Operatunities. They, along with Mary Anne Traczewski and Ursula Carroll, had all the items organized and presented beautifully. Susan Luehrs and her committee of Rose Mary Botelho, Rosie Bannagott and Krista Whipple made sure that 50/50 was available to all. Nancy Preis designed our invitations and programs and with the St. Petersburg Opera donated their services and the all printing. Marilyn Ward, Rosie Bannagott, Rose Mary Botelho, Krista Whipple, Lori van der Linden and Susan Williams created the beautiful centerpieces for all the tables, and Liane Sleszynski collected the payment envelopes for the centerpieces. Caroline De Vale not only got all the signatures for the Signature Page in the program, but she also presented the Inspiration prior to the meal.
The St. Petersburg Opera devoted a page to us in their opera program and on their e-mail notices. Also, Bill Pickering made sure our web site had plenty of information regarding the event. Our M.C., Coleen Cook mentioned us several times on WUSF radio prior to the big day.
As you can see, it takes a quite a few people to successfully present this function. Please consider getting involved in the next Silver Bells Fundraiser. It will be held at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club on Friday, December 3, 2010 . Everyone is valuable, and everyone is appreciated. Lori van der Linden
Tributes and Honors
Send donations to: Elaine Stupp, 1040 South Sterling Avenue , Tampa 33629 stupp1040@aol.com 813-258-4752
A speedy recovery to Lillian Grady who has undergone hip surgery and is at The Springs in rehab.
Pat Howells has been recovering from illness through the holidays. Marilyn Ward is recovering from illness during the holidays. We wish them well.
Please notify Sue Moran (393-6252) if you know of a guild member who is ill, hospitalized, has lost a family member or is celebrating a milestone in his/her life. She will write a note on our behalf.
Welcome New Member
Nancy C. Reeser 1316 Pelican Creek Crossing St. Petersburg 33701 392-8584 Reeserad@aol.com
Amendments to your yearbook: Zene Hoult’s new Email address: zeneathans@yahoo.com
It’s that time of year again to choose a Nominating Committee (3 from the Board, 2 from General Membership) to come up with a slate of officers for next year. Krista Whipple , Polly Jones and Shelia Moore were chosen from the board. Two will be picked from general membership at the next meeting. If you are interested in being on this committee, call Krista.
By-laws change: The board would like to change the references of “Jr” and “Sr” Competitions in the yearbook to more accurately reflect them to be: “High School Vocal Competition” and “Young Professional Opera Competition.” This will be brought before the membership at our January meeting by our Parliamentarian, Yvonne Howell.
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Start thinking about Mad Hatters and who you would like to portray at our March 26 th meeting. Yvonne Howell and Shelia Moore are Co-Chairs for this fun time and it’s an excuse to wear your hat with “panache”. Be a character from a favorite opera or musical and sing a song in that role. Or, you may simply wish to compete with a hat: Most Comical, Vintage, or Prettiest.
If youhaven’t been to one of the Evenings with the Maestro with Mark Sforzini there are 3 more. These are informative, invigorating “talks” with demonstrations by members of the St. Petersburg Opera designed to enhance your enjoyment of opera held the first Thursdays of the month from 6 – 7:30 PM at The Music Gallery, 5990 Ulmerton Rd. in Clearwater . Admission $10 ($5 seniors & students). The next topics are:
February 4 - Servants, Villains & Jailers: Character Parts in Opera
March 4 - Wagner: Why We Love Those Long Half Hours Co-Host: Constantine Grame
April 1 - Preview to Carmen: What Makes a Great Opera Melody?
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Our meeting at Isla del Sol Country Club on November 20 featured Jessica Ann Best, an engaging mezzo-soprano who has performed with Opera Tampa and has performed as an apprentice at Santa Fe Opera and has been a part of V.O.I.C.Experience with Sherill Milnes. She is presently a Resident Artist with Opera Tampa and a member of the faculty at the Patel Conservatory. She was accompanied by Brent Douglas.
We are going to the historic Sunset Ballroom at the Vinoy Golf Course on Feb. 22 nd .
Sarah Hageman and Jenna Siladie are our featured performers at our meeting Feb. 22 at the Vinoy Golf Course on Snell Isle. Jenna is a native of St. Petersburg , FL and currently getting her degree in voice performance at Stetson University . Her Stetson University premier was the title role of Handel's Berenice. She will be performing the role of Sister Angelica in Puccini's Suor Angelica this February and March. She was a finalist and winner in The Daytona Beach Choral Society Scholarship, The Stephen Foster and Jeanie Ball and Audition, and the Dorothea Waddell-Tonnenson Scholarship. Her voice teacher is Dr. Craig Maddox. Both of these singers were part of Marilyn Michael’s St. Petersburg College Summer Vocal Institute 2009.
Directions to Vinoy Golf Course(Sunset Ball Room), 600 Snell Isle Blvd : Take Beach Dr.(or take 22 nd Ave N ) to Coffee Pot NE, cross over the bridge to Snell Isle Blvd to where it goes right. The Golf Resort is on the left.
RESERVATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE TUESDAY PRIOR TO THE EVENT – No reservation, no admittance . Please send your check by Tuesday, January 19 th to
Polly Jones - 128 First St. E #101 , Tierra Verde 33715 Balestrand@aol.com Ph: 866-310
See Reservation Form under Guild Events or click here