Diana Soviero Honored By The Gerda Lissner Foundation

Singers Joseph Dennis, Mario Chang, Ryan Speedo Green, Paul Han, Shirin Eskandani, Alison King, Maya Lahyani, Jonathan Kelly, Arlene Shrut, Honoree Diana Soviero and Alexey Lavrov. (Photo: Howard Heyman)

"On the evening of Wednesday, May 7 at the New York Athletic Club in New York City, The Gerda Lissner Foundation showcased their 2014 winners and honored internationally acclaimed soprano Diana Soviero. Stephen De Maio, President of The Gerda Lissner Foundation, spoke enthusiastically about the winners and how proud he is of the awards given to so many throughout the years to help them attain their goals. He thanked Trustees Barbara Ann Testa, Dorothy Moore, Karl Michaelis and Michael Fornabaio, Vice President/Treasurer of The Gerda Lissner Foundation, for their efforts and all of the operatic notables present. Stephen De Maio was recently honored by Opera Index at their Spring Lunch. The Newark born De Maio, a legend himself, asked Opera News editor and author Brian Kellow to host the program and introduce the honoree, New Jersey born (Jersey City) internationally acclaimed soprano Diana Soviero. Kellow elaborated on Soviero’s great career and the impact she had on her audiences everywhere. The New York City Opera, The Metropolitan Opera, La Scala in Milan, Covent Garden–not bad for a 'Jersey girl.' Kellow mentioned how the arts influenced his life and how the 1945 film Spellbound impacted him. He then thanked Soviero for the influence her performances gave all of us as Cio Cio San,

Marilyn Horne Celebrates 80th Birthday With Song

Marilyn Horne Song Celebration

Thursday, January 16, 2014 at 7:30 PM

Zankel Hall

"Marilyn Horne, founder and guiding voice of The Song Continues series, has long demonstrated a commitment to nurturing gifted young vocal talent. The legendary songstress is honored on her 80th birthday in a festive evening of songs performed by an all-star lineup of special guest artists." Performers
Samuel Ramey, Host
Frederica von Stade, Host
Barbara Cook, Vocalist
Renée Fleming, Soprano
Brenda Rae, Soprano
Jamie Barton, Mezzo-Soprano
Isabel Leonard, Mezzo-Soprano
David Daniels, Countertenor
Piotr Beczala, Tenor
Lester Lynch, Baritone
Martin Katz, Piano
Warren Jones, Piano
Lee Musiker, Piano
[Source]

Sergio Franchi Memorial Tribute Returns on September 10

Eva Franchi at the Stonington Estate she shared with late husband Sergio. (Photo: Mark Mirko/Courant.com) 

"Eva Franchi, widow of singer Sergio Franchi, has changed her mind. Last year she announced it would be the final time she honored her late husband with an annual tribute, featuring opera singers performing at the 240-acre Franchi estate in Stonington. But following last year's concert, she received phone calls, e-mails and letters from fans asking her to reconsider. She has. The 17th annual Sergio Franchi Memorial Concert is happening Saturday, Sept. 10 in Stonington in the home Eva Franchi shared with her husband until his death in 1990. She manages the Franchi Foundation which has awarded close to 500 scholarships to emerging tenors and sopranos. Sergio Franchi was born in 1927 in Cremona, Italy, the home town of Antonio Stradivarius, the renowned violin maker who lived in the 17th century. In his early 20s Franchi was part of a South African opera company. He returned to

Sergio Franchi recorded an album of musical theater
and operetta duets with soprano Anna Moffo
for RCA in 1963. Sample two duets:

Europe in the 1950s and in 1959, after winning a vocal competition, he performed at the London Palladium. Ella Fitzgerald heard him, recommended him and he signed with RCA Victor. In 1962 he made his debut at Carnegie Hall and was heard by Ed Sullivan. Over the years Franchi appeared on the Sullivan show 41 times. The grounds and house will be open at noon. The concert, 'Let's Hear that Music Play,' begins at 3 p.m. and features tenors Marcello Giordani, Michael Amanti, singer-songwriter Giada Valenti and pianist Nicholas King. Attendance at past concerts has ranged between 4,000 and 6,000." [Source]

According to the Foundation's and the artist's website, James Valenti will also be appearing in the concert this weekend. For more information about Sergio Franchi, please visit the official website.

Tenors celebrating at the Franchi Estate: Valenti, Amanti and Giordani:
Tickets are $30. Patrons are encouraged to picnic and bring their own lawn chairs. The Franchi estate is on Sergio Franchi Drive in Stonington off the Pequot Trail. Information: 860-535-9429 or e-mail Eva Franchi at eva_franchi@conair.com.

A word about Sergio Franchi from the Foundation website:

On May 1, 1990, after a courageous battle, Sergio lost the fight to cancer. Sergio Franchi was born in Italy, father Neapolitan, mama Genovese. He used to joke and say, "From the waist up I'm Neapolitan" (pointing to his heart) "from the waist down" (pointing to his pocket) "I'm Genovese!". The latter was the part of Sergio that gave the family the idea of starting the Sergio Franchi Music Foundation, and that instead of flowers being sent when he passed on, donations would be used to seed this idea. Sergio loved his heritage and he was also very proud to be an American! When he became an American citizen in 1972, he used to say very proudly, "Now I'm a Yankee Franchi!". Throughout his career of 28 years, Sergio was a dedicated supporter of the arts and many other charitable organizations that were geared towards his heritage and the things that he held dear, organizations such as Boy's Town of Italy, and the National Italian American Foundation. For his efforts he received the highest award from Boy's Town, the Michelangelo Award, and the title of "Cavaliery" from the Government of Italy. The intent of this foundation is to continue what he believed in...helping others. It was Sergio's fondest wish that talented, poor, deserving children be given the same chance that was once given to him. In Italy when Sergio's funds had run

out and he had to stop studying, the help and encouragement of one special friend enabled him to hang in a little longer and wait for his big 'break'. He would be so proud to know that through his name, he is still able to give. Since 1993 we have been able to award over 470 scholarships and awards to students of vocal studies, young tenors and sopranos, with the hope that through beautiful, romantic, classical music we can keep the spirit of romance alive in our hearts - The very thing that Sergio has always stood for. [Source]