Juan Diego Flórez Raises Over $100K For Peru At Vienna Concert

Vittorio Grigolo and Aida Garifullina join Juan Diego Flórez for a worthy cause in Vienna.

"The audience filled the Vienna State Opera and applauded tenor Juan Diego Florez enthusiastically and often during a benefit concert he gave on behalf of 'Sinfonia por el Peru,' the foundation he created in 2011 to help poor children in his homeland. Sources at the Viennese theater told Efe that the box office would easily surpass 100,000 euros ($106,000), from which only technical costs would have to be deducted, since all the artists donated their services. 'It's a dream come true that we can now say Sinfonia por el Peru is going so well it's changing the lives of many, many children in Peru,' Florez told Efe during one of the rehearsals before the gala performance. The tenor noted that big international opera stars would share the stage with young musicians from different social programs around the world, all motivated by the concept of transforming society through music. The gala served to present the Friends of Juan Diego Florez, an association created to support Sinfonia por el Peru and similar projects. Among those friends were Cecilia Bartoli, Russian soprano Aida Garifullina, tenor Celso Albelo and baritone Michele Pertusi, among others. Unfortunately absent was soprano Anna Netrebko, who announced Saturday that she would be unable to take part in the gala. Sinfonia por el Peru's 15 branches in different parts of the country are teaching some 2,500 children and young people living in unfavorable conditions to use music as a way to escape poverty, violence and child labor." [Source]

Opera Auction: Private Graham Concert; Meade Dinner X2; Signed Fleming Photo; And More!

"Welcome to the bidding site for the Metropolitan Opera Guild’s 10th Annual OPERA NEWS Awards Live and Silent Auction. We invite you to browse our auction catalog and forward it on to your friends and colleagues. The auction will close at the end of the event and winners need not be present to bid or win. Be sure to check back frequently as new items will be added as they are secured! We encourage you to bid generously, knowing all proceeds go directly to fund our community and school programs. The mission of the Metropolitan Opera Guild is to enrich lives through an awareness and deeper appreciation of opera, while supporting the Metropolitan Opera by expanding its reach to diverse communities and a wider audience. The Metropolitan Opera Guild is the world’s premier arts education organization dedicated to enriching people’s lives through the magic and artistry of opera. The Guild fosters collaboration, literacy skills, and self-confidence in children with customized education programs integrated into the curriculum of schools, and builds a deeper appreciation of opera in adults through workshops, community programs, and by publishing Opera News, the world’s leading opera magazine. Through its unique relationship with the Metropolitan Opera, the Guild offers newcomers to opera and its most ardent fans access to one of the world’s most renowned performing arts companies." [Source] Items up for bid include:

**Twenty-minute recital by Metropolitan Opera star Susan Graham at your next dinner party at a mutually agreeable date and time in either New York City or Los Angeles.

**Dinner for two with Met Opera star Angela Meade and the Editor-in-Chief of OPERA NEWS magazine, F. Paul Driscoll, at Loi Estiatorio (132 West 58th Street, New York, NY 10019).

**One autographed photo of Renée Fleming from the OPERA NEWS December 2014 cover shoot. Framed, 11” x 14”, archival quality print. Photo by Todd Rosenberg.

Browse many more of the items up for bid by clicking here!

Stars Come Out To Viennese Opera Ball In New York City

View image | gettyimages.com

Last night stars gathered at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel for The Viennese Opera Ball, an annual fundraising gala, in New York City. "The Viennese Opera Ball in New York is an annual charity gala held annually under the auspices of the United States-Austrian Chamber of Commerce. Dignitaries, Diplomats and Debutantes 'Open' the international Ball, long regarded as one of New York City’s 'greatest annual events,' garnering worldwide media coverage for over five decades. There is nothing formulaic about the event; with four generations of guests, the Ball reflects the universal appeal of Austria’s cultural and culinary treasures. The gala evening features Opera, Classical Music and Ballroom Dancing including, of course, Waltzing. One popular highlight is the Midnight Quadrille, conducted by a Viennese choreographer. Following an 8 p.m. champagne reception, the Ball runs from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., and includes a four-course dinner service. The 'Tanz Bar' (post-Ball party) follows from 1:00 to 4:00 a.m. and includes a full buffet supper with the Viennese Opera Ball's Signature Goulash Soup, as well as multiple venues featuring: a Jazz Band, Dance Band, DJ, Vienna Coffee House with Viennese pastries, and Casino. The Ball opens with the Grand March of Dignitaries and Diplomats. The ceremonial tone of the Ball Opening continues with the Presentation and Posting of the Flags by a West Point Color Guard. The Program continues with the Presentation of Debutantes (ages 16 to 25) and their dance Escorts (ages 18–30). A choreographed waltz routine by young ballroom dance couples (ages 18–30) is followed by a call for 'Alles Walzer!' (Everyone Dance!) and guests join the dancers for the first official waltz of the Ball. Peter Duchin and his Orchestra play continuous dance music throughout the Ball, stopping only for Program highlights or performances by the featured Opera singers." [Source] For more information about The Viennese Opera Ball, click here. See more photos of Alyson Cambridge, Sherrill Milnes, Linda Watson, Thomas Robert, Omar Sharif Jr., Amy Shoremount-Obra, Melissa Batalles, and more, after the jump.

View image | gettyimages.com

Royal Party Report From University of St. Andrew 600th Anniversary

As mentioned a few days ago, Renée Fleming was a guest among the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's attendance at the 600th Anniversary Gala for the University of St. Andrews. New York Social Diary reports: "After the dinner Renee Fleming, who was at royal couple's table, sang 'O mio babbino caro' from Puccini's short opera Gianni Schicchi. Beautiful, with a voice as splendidly eternal as the ancients' creations surrounding us. She then sang us 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' (originally written for Judy Garland in the MGM movie, Meet Me In St. Louis). Again wonderful. Fleming has an equally alluring non-operatic style to her voice." [Source] The soprano was a stand-in for Sting, who was unable to attend due to his performance schedule in his Broadway show, as she told Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan the other morning on their show. No word on whether the gown is by Vivienne Westwood or another British designer for the occasion. Read more about the evening and see lots of photos by clicking here. 

Renée Fleming Among Guests To Attend Royal Fundraiser

Crème de la Crème: Soprano Fleming 
(Photo: Timothy White/Decca)

"During their three-day trip, the royals will be staying at the Carlyle Hotel, a favorite of William's mother, the late Princess Diana, when she frequently visited Manhattan in the 1990s. William and Kate, who are expecting their second child in April, have scheduled a full slate of events in New York, including a visit to the National Sept. 11 Memorial and Museum and a basketball game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Their visit also will include some events with other high-profile guests. Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and daughter Chelsea Clinton are accompanying William and Kate to a New York reception highlighting conservation efforts. The royals also are due to join actor Tom Hanks, opera singer Renee Fleming and others at a black-tie, up-to-$10,000-per-seat scholarship fundraiser for the University of St. Andrews, the Scottish institution where the royal couple met and earned degrees." [Source] Renée Fleming is a close friend of Prince William's father, Prince Charles, and has sung for many occasions of the Royal Family. See a wonderful photo after the jump from 2008.

Young Opera Singers Join Together For AIDS Research Recording

Singers from left to right: Jamie Barton, Sean Panikkar, Susanna Phillips, and Keith Phares

"An all-star cast of renowned singers and instrumentalists comes together on one CD to sing for hope and in the cause of supporting AIDS research: Joyce DiDonato, Yo-Yo Ma, Jamie Barton, Noah Stewart, Susanna Phillips, Sean Panikkar, Matthew Polenzani, Anthony Dean Griffey, Monica Yunus, Camille Zamora, Isabel Leonard and many more. Actors Sharon Stone (Casino, Basic Instinct) and Ansel Elgort (The Fault In Our Stars) contribute readings of poetry. All profits from the sale of this album will go to amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research. This CD features new songs by established and emerging American composers, many specially commissioned to create a global musical portrait of AIDS today." [Source] Listen to excerpts from the recording by clicking here and click here to purchase. See the back inlay for the disc after the jump. Also be sure to check other original songbooks including Heartbeats and AIDS Quilt Songbook. 

Support Coloraturafan On Crowdfunding Platform GoFundMe

Known to YouTube watchers as Coloraturafan, Dillon is now starting a campaign to fund a new video venture: "I am looking to expand my video collection to include a new segment 'A chat with Coloraturafan.' With this new project includes the necessity to produce my own videos, which means I need to invest and spend. In order to expedite the process I am starting a GoFundMe account. This future venture will include video segments where I interview people in the Opera Industry (singers, directors, conductors, designers, fellow fans) in order to further explore this wonderful art that I love so much, and I hope that the videos will prove both entertaining and informative to the viewers of my channel." With over 16,000 subscribers to his YouTube channel and thousands of videos posted, this young man deserves major support. Make a donation by clicking here. Watch his video after the jump.

Tamar Iveri Plans Charity Concert For Violence Victims

"A Georgian opera singer plans a charity concert dedicated to gays, lesbians and other sexual minorities. Tamar Iveri’s announcement in Tbilisi on Thursday comes after she was denied to perform by Opera Australia and La Monnaie of Brussels because of her alleged homophobic statements. Speaking at a press conference, Iveri said that the concert is a way to once again apologize to LGBT people for the letter which was posted to her Facebook page after the anti-gay violence on May 17, 2013. The planned concert will take place in Tbilisi on October 11, which is the National Coming Out Day (NCOD). Iveri added that the concert is to be dedicated to the victims of all kinds of violence and called on other Georgian artists to also participate. The money made on the charity concert will be spent on assisting victims of violence." [Source]

Anna Netrebko Goes Leafy Green For The Garden Theme Of "Life Ball"

Russian soprano Anna Netrebko returns to her second home state of Austria for Life Ball 2014 in Vienna that has a theme of "Garten der Lüste." She attended last year and got some personal time with former President Bill Clinton. We look forward to pictures of her with this year's performer, Ricky Martin. "The Life Ball in Vienna is the biggest charity event in Europe supporting people with HIV or AIDS. The event is organized by the nonprofit organization AIDS LIFE, which was founded in 1992 by Gery Keszler and Torgom Petrosian. AIDS LIFE supports aid organizations devoted to helping people who are HIV-positive or have AIDS. The team entrusted with the allocation of funds thoroughly examines each petition. Moreover, it is an explicit goal of AIDS LIFE to raise public awareness." [Source] Full-length photo of the ensemble is after the jump.

Austria's "Life Ball" To Host A Galaxy Of (Opera) Stars Tonight

Anna Netrebko and Piotr Beczała perform at last year's gala concert for Life Ball.

"Tickets for the Red Ribbon Celebration Concert 2014 presented by Novomatic available on www.burgtheater.at or www.culturall.com! Stars of the opera like Anna Netrebko, Vesselina Kasarova, Jennifer O'Loughlin, Juan Diego Flórez, Piotr Beczała, Yusif Eyvazov, Luca Pisaroni, Ambrogio Maestri and Ildar Abdrazakov lend their voices to the good cause. The soloists are accompanied by the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by Cornelius Meister. Fashion icon Vivienne Westwood will create the stage design of the concert. Red Ribbon Celebration Concert 2014 - May 30, 2014, concert beginning: 8 p.m. at Burgtheater, Universitätsring 2, 1010 Vienna." More information about the star power attending the event, as well as photos from this year's theme Garten der Lüste [including the NSFW David LaChapelle posters....], after the jump.

Teatro Real Madrid To Auction Opera Items For Fundraiser

"The ghosts of operas past have returned to haunt the elegant labyrinth that is the entrance hall, staircase and hallways of the Teatro Real in Madrid. There, close enough for anyone to touch, are the characters from the theater's 2003 production of Isaac Albéniz's Merlin, or those from the 1999 staging of Bizet's Carmen, or the 2005 version of Mozart's Don Giovanni, among many others. In total there are over 1,000 items, ranging from costumes, masks and wigs to furniture and stage props, made in the theater workshops and used in productions from 1997 onwards. And the best part is that anyone can take them home — for a price. All the items will be auctioned off on December 26 as part of an initiative called La Almoneda del Real (Auction at the Real). Similar sales have been held at other major European opera houses, such as Covent Garden in London and the Opéra Nationale de Paris. The items vary wildly in nature and price: there are objects with a starting price of 20 euros, while the most expensive piece is a scale model of a 1930 Packard LeBaron car that was built for Don Giovanni and will admit no lower bid than 7,800 euros. A model of a horse used in the same opera is going for 1,500 euros; the Excalibur sword from Merlin has a starting price of 150 euros; Morgana's dress starts at 1,500 euros; a mining wagon used in Macbeth begins at 180 euros; and a makeup kit used in Japanese Kabuki theater has an initial price tag of 40 euros....And some are for mythomaniacs, like the headdress we made for [Spanish soprano] María Bayo or the outfit we created for [mezzo-soprano] María José Montiel for the 150th anniversary of the theater. They were only used once. As a curiosity, even the old ushers' uniforms are being auctioned off after the theater's previous artistic director, Gérard Mortier, had them changed when he took up his position. These are going for 30 euros each." [Source]

Kathleen Battle Continues Alicia Keys Collaboration In New York City

Alicia Keys (left) with Kathleen Battle in 2008 after performing together at the Black Ball.
Opera star Kathleen Battle has been working alongside popular songstress Alicia Keys since 2007 to help raise money for a worthy cause. This Thursday, November 7, the pair will be on the stage together once again for the Keep a Child Alive Foundation's 10th Black Ball. "An inspiring evening of music and philanthropy to benefit children and families affected by HIV in Africa and India." This year's event will also feature performances by Carole King, Laura Mvula, Ron Ayers, and others to be announced. The show takes place at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. The Black Ball has raised over $18.4 million since 2004. [Source] Watch performances of the two ladies from previous years, after the jump.

At 65, José Carreras Thrives in Fundraiser for Foundation

"'Over the past week I had concerts in Prague, Lugano, a gala on German TV to raise funds for my leukemia foundation, and on Sunday I had a Christmas concert in Milan. Then I have the most important 'project' of the year which is a few days of holiday with my family for Christmas,' Jose Carreras said speaking at a media conference in Moscow. The singer has visited Russia many times both with solo shows and together with other stars of opera. 'I’m very happy to be back in Moscow. It’s a treat for every artist to come to your country because of its incredible artistic and musical tradition. I have wonderful memories from my previous visits to Moscow. I performed in different venues from the Bolshoi Theatre to the Kremlin, to the House of Music. Here I’ve always been treated with affection and respect from the public. And this is a privilege for any artist,' he explained. This time the tenor performed together with Russian soprano Olga Peretyatko and maestro David Gimenez, Carreras’ nephew. The first half of the program featured classical operatic works, and the second half was dedicated to Christmas. 'It is a challenge for us as we have to go through many different styles,' says David Gimenez. During his previous visit in July Carreras had a chance to visit a hospital for children with Leukemia. His foundation was established following his own recovery from the disease in 1988. 'It is one of my goals, to be involved and to try to help fight leukemia.'" [Source] It is reported that the concerts in Germany raised $8.3 million. For more information and to make a donation, click here.

Renée Fleming Models For LOC Operathon 2011

Marketing 101: Put the star in the goods.
(Photo: Jonathan Tichler)

Set for October 15, 2011, the Lyric Opera of Chicago will hold the biggest fundraiser of their season. "Operathon 2011" is co-sponsored by American Airlines, Official Airline of Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Bank of America. You can donate directly to the company or purchase merchandise that will help support the opera. Start shopping here. "Fascinating interviews with major stars and Lyric insiders plus music from your favorite operas. Lyric's annual on-air fundraiser is a project of the Lyric Opera Chapters. The 16-hour marathon proceeds benefit Lyric's education and community-engagement programs. In addition to the star studded broadcast, you also have an opportunity to buy unique Lyric Opera merchandise plus premiums and restaurant certificates." And if you want to emulate the company's

leading diva Renée Fleming, you can order the scarf she models on the cover the the "Operathon 2011" brochure: "Even our cover girl Renée Fleming couldn't resist this season's luxurious silk scarf! Designed exclusively for Lyric Opera by Lee Allison, this year's scarf captures the dazzling purple and blue hues of the Tales of Hoffmann set. 34" square. Comes in a gift box. $125. Buy it here. [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]

Fashion Designers Sketch Opera Costumes for Charity, Part 2

Elie Tahari - Salome

If you enjoyed the previous round of designer sketches by Narciso Rodriguez, Peter Som, Carolina Herrera and others, check out the follow-up with works by Giles Mendel, Nicole Miller, Austin Scarlett and Deborah Lloyd for Kate Spade. More images are after the jump. [Source]

Fashion Designers Sketch Opera Costumes for Charity

Christian Siriano - Turandot

"Miuccia Prada for Atilla. Thierry Mugler for Lady Gaga. Rodarte for Black Swan. It seems that high-end fashion designers are expanding far beyond their runways these days. So it was only befitting when the 6th Annual Divas Shop for Opera event, a charity designated to benefit the design of New York City Opera costumes, asked various designers to create sketches inspired by their favorite operas. Narciso Rodriguez, Peter Som and Carolina Herrera were among those who created one-of-a-kind drawings that will be auctioned off at the event." [Source]

View seven more designs after the jump. Learn more about the benefit for New York City Opera by clicking here.