Marilyn Horne Returns to New Jersey To Celebrate Opera

Days Gone By: Marilyn & Henry

"Do the stars predict a promising future for Opera New Jersey? It certainly seemed so Sunday night, as diva Marilyn Horne and three of her former students — now rising stars themselves — lent their luster to the organization’s 'Celebrate Opera' Gala. The event, which was held Sunday evening at the Hyatt Regency Princeton, honored Ms. Horne for her long and glorious singing career and her continuing work as a teacher and promoter of young artists. For her part, Ms. Horne said that she was delighted to be back in New Jersey. She said she remembered fondly the nine years she had spent in the state with the late Henry Lewis, who was then her husband, as well as the conductor and music director of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra....After dinner, three young singers entertained the gala audience with a half-hour concert. All had been associated with the Marilyn Horne Foundation, which presents young singers in recitals throughout the country. (In May 2010, the foundation’s programs became part of Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute.) Baritone Keith Phares sang 'Largo al factotum' from The Barber of Seville, as well as arias by Ravel and Korngold. He recently appeared with Opera New Jersey as Falke

Keith Phares

Rinat Shaham

Erica Strauss

in Die Fledermaus and has sung with many major companies, including San Francisco Opera, the Metropolitan Opera, the Opera Company of Philadelphia, and Glimmerglass Opera. Mezzo-soprano Rinat Shaham sang art songs by Richard Strauss and Poulenc, as well as 'Habanera' from Carmen. She just performed the title role in that opera with The Opera Company of Philadelphia. As a recital artist she has sung with some of the world’s pre-eminent conductors. Soprano Erica Strauss has sung with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Metropolitan Opera, and Sarasota Opera. Also a recital artist, she sang an aria from Rusalka as well as songs by Chaminade and Rossini. All three singers joined in the trio 'Soave sia il ventro' from Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte.” [Source]