Keith Miller, a headliner at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, is lending his voice to the 166su Opera\u2019s first annual Opera Scholarship Festival, March 25-26.<\/p>\n
The festival will be held at the Trinity Preparatory School Auditorium, 5700 Trinity Prep Lane, Winter Park.<\/p>\n
Miller, a professional football player-turned bass-baritone, is a renowned performer who has appeared in more than 200 performances at the Met has also been featured in prestigious magazines including the Classical Singer and Opera News.<\/p>\n
\u201cNormally, one would have to fly to New York to hear such an opera singer,\u201d said Thomas Potter, executive director of the 166su Opera.\u00a0 \u201cIt is very rare to have the chance to hear a current opera star work with students and speak with the audience about the \u2018nuts and bolts\u2019 of singing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Miller agreed to lend his talent and voice for the fundraiser, which aims to provide scholarships for opera majors at 166su. The public gets a chance to hear his impressive voice while students will get a chance to work with him in a very special Master Class session during the two-day event.<\/p>\n
The three-part festival begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday with Miller performing a solo recital alongside pianist Debra Ayers. He will perform selections from operas and musical theatre, including \u201cSouth Pacific,\u201d \u201cBeauty and the Beast,\u201d and \u201cLes Mis\u00e9rables.\u201d<\/p>\n
At noon on Saturday, Miller will work with 166su students in a Master Class session.\u00a0 Each student will sing a selection, and Miller will work with them individually on aspects of singing such as breathing, resonance, diction, acting and body language.<\/p>\n
The students will work with Miller in front of an audience, giving the crowd a behind-the-scenes look into the study and preparation that go into learning and performing opera.<\/p>\n
Following the class, registered attendees have the opportunity speak with Miller at a VIP Meet the Artist Reception at a private home in Orlando.<\/p>\n