AN EVENING TO REMEMBER - Inauguration of the MARCELLO GIORDANI FOUNDATION

27 May 2010 — May 7th, 2010 was, for all those attending the event, an evening to remember. The inauguration of the Marcello Giordani Foundation marked a new stage in the career of tenor Marcello Giordani, and was, in his own words, the realization of a long held desire to contribute to the future of opera by helping young and talented singers achieve their career goals.

The event, in fact, began with a concert which showcased the talent of six young singers selected by the Maestro himself. Each one of them displayed considerable vocal talent and stage presence. We introduce them to you in the certainty that we’ll hear more of them in the not too distant future.

Dario Russo, bass, from Catania, Italy, is currently singing in the chorus of the Teatro Massimo Bellini di Catania, and has already made several appearances as a soloist.

Sabina Kim, soprano, from Korea, studies in New York and attended Marcello’s Master Classes at the “Academy of advanced specialization for opera singers” held at the Teatro Massimo Bellini of Catania, Sicily. Thanks to Marcello, she auditioned for the Bellini and was offered the role of Mimì in the second cast of Bohème for the next season of the opera house.

Heather Gallagher, mezzo soprano, from Miami, Florida, has attended Marcello’s Master Classes at Vero Beach, as well as his Master Classes at the “Academy” in Catania this past April. She is the recipient of a scholarship from the Marcello Giordani Foundation and has already made several appearances on both the concert and the opera stage.

Daniela Pedi, soprano, from Catania, Italy, has won numerous national and international competitions and has appeared in both concerts and opera productions. In 2010 she attended (the) Marcello’s Master Classes at the “Academy” in Catania.

Robyn Lamp, soprano, from Miami, Florida, has been the winner of numerous competitions, and is currently a student at the University of South Florida. She attended Marcello’s Master Class at Vero Beach as well his Master Classes at the “Academy” in Catania.

Steven LaBrie, baritone, is currently a Resident Artist at the Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) of Philadelphia where he is studying with Maestro Bill Schuman. He has frequently appeared in major roles in AVA’s operatic productions.

A major highlight of the evening was the presentation, in the name of the Foundation, of a Lifetime Achievement Award to legendary soprano Magda Olivero on her 100th birthday by way of a video connection from her home in Milan. The ceremony, presented by renowned soprano Aprile Millo, included questions by famed Italian radio broadcaster Enrico Stinchelli, which were translated into Italian by Ms. Millo, and elicited a flow of reminiscences from Signora Olivero, who spoke extensively and eloquently, and with obvious emotion, of her career on the opera stage. She received a thunderous applause from the enthusiastic audience who, at the end of the ceremony, joined Marcello in a joyous and heartfelt “Happy Birthday to You” which brought tears to the eyes of Signora Olivero, as well as to the eyes of many a member of the audience.

Following the ceremony, Marcello addressed the attendees, expressing his own pride and emotion at the realization of a long held dream, and retracing the events and circumstances which have contributed to the creation of the Marcello Giordani Foundation.

“We are here tonight to celebrate one of the most important events of my career, and perhaps of my entire life. This day marks the realization of a deeply felt desire, at this stage of my career, to share with others the knowledge gained through years of study and experience on the opera stage, and to make a meaningful contribution to the future of opera. It is also a rare opportunity to ‘pay my debt’ by helping struggling and talented artists the way others have helped me in the early stages of my career.” Read the entire speech

The evening concluded with a fundraising gala dinner, which allowed the participants ample time to sip wine, enjoy the food, socialize, make new friends, chat with Marcello and his wife Wilma, and make the acquaintance of the Foundation’s newly appointed Artistic Director, Luigi Boccia, who was also the major organizer of the event.