MORE Opera presents “An Evening with Maestro Anton Coppola” Opera Masterclass and Conversation

NEW YORK - Aug. 24, 2014 - PRLog -- The Manhattan Opera Repertory Ensemble will present legendary opera conductor and composer Anton Coppola in a discusion of Italian opera and a masterclass on interpretation and style featuring selected singers from MORE Opera’s roster at Most Precious Blood Church, 109 Mulberry Street in Little Italy on Friday, September 19, 2014 at 7:30 PM.  The program is presented in conjunction with MORE Opera’s October 12^th and 15^th performances of Puccini’s “Tosca,” under the renowned conductor's baton at Dicapo Opera Theater.  In addition to the masterclass, Maestro Coppola will reflect on his conducting career, verismo opera, and his unique vision for MORE Opera’s upcoming production of “Tosca” during the 90-minute program.  This is a great opportunity for opera aficianados and the general public to witness a master conductor at work. Admission is free.

For more information about this and other events presented by MORE Opera, visit www.moreopera.com  or contact the church office at (212) 226-6427.

Maestro Anton Coppola is known for his wide range and versatility in the field of music. Included in his extensive experiences are the World premieres of the operas, Borden, Deseret, and Saint Francis's of Assisi, Of Mice and Men, as well as numerous Broadway musicals. The EMI recording of the Puccini arias conducted for l'Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano and featuring the celebrated Rumanian soprano, Angela Gheorghiu, won high praise for its distinctive interpretations. Among his other activities are his conducting of the film scores of Godfather III and Dracula, at the invitation of his nephew, Francis Ford Coppola and the composing of various chamber pieces, a comic opera, a violin concerto and a symphony. In addition to a lifetime achievement award from the Puccini Foundation, he is the recipient of honorary Doctorates from the University of Tampa, the University of Quinnipiac and the Manhattan School of Music.

The Manhattan Opera Repertory Ensemble (MORE Opera) was founded in 2000 by soprano Cheryl Warfield.  She has performed over 15 lead roles in the standard operatic repertoire, including the title roles of Tosca, Aida and La Gioconda.  In addition to singing, she is an arts administrator and creator/ producer of innovative vocal arts programs.  Miss Warfield also founded ADVANCE, a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit vocal arts organization that produces concerts of classical music and music education programs for students from grades K-12. Cheryl holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the Ohio State University.

The Church of the Most Precious Blood in Little Italy began by Vatican decree in the late 1800’s to establish a National Parish for the sole purpose of serving the rapidly growing number of Italian immigrants to New York.  The church serves in recognition of the many talents and accomplishments of people of Italian heritage and is the center for the annual San Gennaro Feast.

This event is made possible in part with public funds from the Manhattan Community Arts Fund, supported by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and administered by Lower Manhattan Cultural Council.

MORE Opera is not affiliated with Dicapo Opera.