Palm Beach Opera is excited to announce that The Edward H. Benenson Foundation, Inc. will renew its 1 million dollar gift in support of the company’s Benenson Young Artist Program for the next five years, securing its position as a nationally recognized training program for emerging singers.
Just as the company opened its 2018-2019 season on Tuesday with a new concert, “A night of…Rising Stars & Classic Melodies,” which featured the Benenson Young Artists and renowned mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves, General Director Daniel Biaggi announced the gift to the audience and presented Gladys Benenson, president of the foundation, with an engraved vase in honor of her continued support and leadership.
“We are deeply grateful to Gladys Benenson and The Edward H. Benenson Foundation, Inc. for their immense generosity and continued belief in supporting the next generation of opera artists,” said Biaggi. “The Benenson Young Artist Program provides rising artists with the professional training they need to embark on successful careers, supporting new voices in opera and bolstering our beloved art form.”
The Benenson Young Artist program is a rigorous five-month training program led by the company’s artistic staff and acclaimed guest faculty. During their residency, the singers appear on the mainstage in supporting roles, study cover roles, and perform in special events throughout the community.
“We are delighted to help turn the hopes and dreams of so many talented young opera singers into a reality by continuing to support Palm Beach Opera’s young artist training initiatives,” said Lisa Quattrocchi, vice-president of The Edward H. Benenson Foundation, Inc. “Having seen and heard the progress of the singers over the past years has given us a lot of joy.”
With more than 600 applicants in a single season, and with fewer than 20 spots available, Palm Beach Opera’s growing artist training programs provide launching pads for both post-graduate and graduate singers. Graduates of the Benenson Young Artist Program have gone on to sing at opera houses across the country and abroad, including the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, San Francisco Opera, Paris Opera, Deutsche Oper Berlin and more.
“This renewed gift is an extraordinary testament to the confidence that Mrs. Benenson and The Edward H. Benenson Foundation, Inc. have in our artistic training program, for which we are extremely proud and grateful,” said Managing Director David Walker.
Palm Beach Opera is dedicated to producing live opera at an international standard of excellence and to enriching the life of the communities it serves with a diverse offering of educational programs. Founded in 1961, the fully professional Palm Beach Opera presents main stage performances at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach and is a proud member of OPERA America and the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County.