As Opera Mississippi's 75th Anniversary Virtual Season comes to a close, they have truly saved the best for last on what has been a unique but powerful season. On Sunday, April 18, at 2 p.m.,, the Opera Mississippi Guild presents Opera Virtuale, a virtual fundraising concert of performers from all around the nation. Filled with music from both opera and musical theatre, from classical to present day, this concert has something for everyone and has been an exciting project for everyone involved. The event will be hosted at youtube.com/operams.
Hosted by well-known Mississippi TV personality Walt Grayson, the virtual concert promises wonderful music and the opportunity for patrons to donate to the guild to ensure that Mississippi and the Southeast has an opera company for another 75 years.
Artistic Director, Jay Dean said, “Knowing that this year’s Opera Guild Gala had to be virtual, we reached out to singers across the nation and asked them to contribute their time to our gala. We were able to put together fourteen music videos of everything from classical opera arias to great tunes from musical theatre. We are particularly thankful to the opera program at the University of Mobile for providing some very well-done music videos that you will find very interesting. You will see everything from live night club performances to a Steven Sondheim song being sung from a hospital bed. Certainly, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused all of us to reach inside ourselves and come up with new ways to express our artistic creativity. This gala program is a perfect example of how we can take a situation that will not allow us to do anything in person and use our creative skills to make a really interesting virtual product.”
"The Opera Mississippi Guild functions as the arm that assists Opera Mississippi through an annual gala," said Atchley. "Guild members pay $75 annually to participate by providing lodging for out-of-town performers and organizing volunteers to help with each season's performances. Guild members gain access to all social events, so it is a great way to meet new friends while giving back to the community."
Anna Dean, Opera Mississippi's Development and Outreach Director, is very excited for this year’s event as it allows a wider audience to see what the company does and for even more people to become members of the guild or supporters of Opera Mississippi.
“There are several ways you can support Opera Mississippi for our annual Guild gala concert this year. First, Become a member! You can easily join our Opera Mississippi Guild by going to www.operams.org/the-guild and select "Join Now" Second, Attend our Diamond Anniversary Celebration on June 17 at the Jackson Yacht Club to get to know the Opera Mississippi Family! Ticket information will soon be available at www.operams.org/diamond-anniversarygala-concert. Third, follow us on Facebook at Opera Mississippi and on instagram @operamississippi. Finally, most definitely, become a donor at www.operams.org/sponsordonor-levels.”
For more information about upcoming interviews and performances or to donate or become a member, visit www.operams.org.