Opera News & Press

New Orleans Opera’s Call to Help Haiti!

NEW ORLEANS OPERA RAISES FUNDS FOR THOSE AFFECTED BY THE EARTHQUAKE IN HAITI.

New Orleans Opera Association announced today that it raised close to $2,500 last weekend in donations for the American Red Cross Haiti Relief Effort at its performances of Verdi Requiem and that this effort will continue at its next production of Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman, March 19 and 21.

“For many, Verdi's monumental Requiem stands as the most powerful and expressive of all the great Requiems,” said executive director Alyona Ushe.  “It is a wonderful way to remember Haiti earthquake victims, but more importantly, this production gave us an inspirational platform to seek help for the survivors. We want to continue to play a part in the recovery and are thrilled to spotlight Red Cross’ efforts again at our next production.”

As it did for Verdi’s Requiem, the Association will offer free tickets to college students for a donation of any amount to the American Red Cross.  In addition, General and Artistic Director Robert Lyall will encourage opera patrons on both Friday and Sunday performances to give generously to the cause.  At the Requiem, Maestro Lyall was joined by Ms. Kay Wilkins, CEO of the American Red Cross Southeast Louisiana Chapter, on Saturday (January 23) evening.  ”It was wonderful to be invited to speak about the ongoing relief effort in Haiti at Saturday’s performance,” stated Wilkins.  “It is heartwarming to see the outpouring of support from our community to those affected by the recent earthquakes in Haiti.”

The success of this effort inspired the New Orleans Opera Association to reach out to the arts community and to collectively work towards raising even more funds for Haiti relief and to support the Haitian arts community specifically.  There is an announcement forthcoming on how you can join community effort.

Hundreds of students contributed and attended the performance of the Requiem, and additional support came from other opera patrons. Gifts ranged from as little as $1 up to $250.  “Students were encouraged to come regardless of the size of their gift,” said Ushe.  “We were absolutely thrilled at the turn out and the generosity of our young people and our patrons.”   The offer of free tickets to college students for a donation of any amount to the American Red Cross will be continued for the March 19 & 21 performances of Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman.   

Grant them eternal rest, O Lord, begins the Verdi Requiem, the most operatic of all sacred works. This production by New Orleans Opera Association was designed from the start to bring the community together. Over 200 voices and 72 musicians joined forces to perform the monumental work, including world-class soloists soprano Jennifer Wilson, mezzo-soprano Nancy Maultsby, tenor Gordon Gietz,  bass John Relyea and an enormous chorus composed of singers from New Orleans Opera Chorus, the Loyola Choir, and the New Orleans Vocal Arts Chorale. The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra was conducted by Robert Lyall.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ENTRANCE WITH DONATION TO THE RED CROSS
All you need to do is bring your student ID and your generosity to the Student Entrance at the Mahalia Jackson Theater for Performing Arts
801 North Rampart Street
New Orleans, LA 70116
Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the start time for the performances of Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman (There is NO late seating)
8:00 PM Friday, March 19, 2010
2:30 PM Sunday, March 21, 2010
For additional information call 504-529-2278 ext. 223