On Saturday, June 29, 2013, OPERA OF THE HAMPTONS presents

PBS/WLIW Host, the Incomparable Soprano
"Cristina Fontanelli and Her Fabulous Friends"
Tenor Benjamin Michael Sloman and Baritone Frank Basile
accompanied by Joan Krueger.
"FROM OPERA TO BROADWAY" A VERDI NIGHT",
celebrating the 200 Year Anniversary of the Great Master, with highlights from
Opera, Broadway and the Songs of Sunny Italy.

Opera of the Hamptons is also proud to present
The Franco Gentilesca Young Artist Program
"Alfred Mendez" Winner 2013.
at
DUCK WALK VINEYARDS NORTH,
Southold, New York at 7:00 P.M.

These performances at Duck Walk Vineyards are under the auspices of
Dr. Herodotus Damianos, Patron of the Arts,
who is a most appreciated supporter of Opera of the Hamptons from our very first performance.
We always strive to please him. Everyone knows he is a real Opera Lover and just loves hearing
the music of the great Puccini.



   

The artists are superb and at this performance some of our favorites will be at the vineyard. Soprano Cristina Fontanell who is a highly acclaimed singer throughout Europe, the Far East, Middle East and the United States has sung at the White House, with the Palm Beach Opera, has received the Lifetime Achievement Award in the Arts from the Order Sons of Italy in America (previous honoree Luciano Pavarotti). She recently appeared as PBS/WLIW host for Andrea Bocelli "Live From Central Park" and "Il Volo Takes Flight". Opera of the Hamptons appreciates her impeccable operatic performances with the company. "Cristina Fontanelli...her " Tosca " the very reality of Floria herself....from her first fiery " Mario...Mario " ....to the very last tones before she leaps to her death...the essence of the role...Fontanelli...a very beautiful Italianate diva..looks...dresses...moves...gestures like the ideal soprano for this part.....her seamless lyrico-spinto soared and sliced through every phrase with consummate artistry... Robert Carpenter"... "Cristina Fontanelli at Feinstein's at the Regency is like seeing a cross between Maria Callas and Ethel Merman. She has no equal." Forbes Magazine.

"Benjamin Michael Sloman , ( Australian ), unleashed a gorgeous lyric tenor with ringing...effortless top tones to scale the heights of " Cavaradossi's " impassioned lines with an elegance seen in more seasoned artists..We heard it was his second outing with this role..and a good indicator of a bright future for the young Aussy.... Robert Carpenter" "True big voiced tenors are a very rare breed, but it appears that Australia has unearthed one here last night. Benjamin Sloman lifted the roof off the elegant Independent Theatre with a performance dripping with virile Italianate fire. This is a voice of staggering power and technical excellence, endowed with astonishingly clarion ring. His artistry was sophisticated and stylish and he managed to add nuance and pathos to a role which is generally crude and shallow. Without a doubt we will be hearing from this fine tenor for decades to come.- Thomas Howard (Australian Opera Review) / Cavalleria Rusticana, Sydney Lyric Opera, His many performances with Opera of the Hamptons were all spectacular.

Opera News declared him to be 'a cross between Giorgio Tozzi and Ezio Pinza' and 'a voice to follow'. Versatile artist, Baritone Frank Basile making his debut with Opera of the Hamptons, also sang his debut with Washington Opera in The Saint of Bleecker Street directed by Gian Carlo Menotti himself. Making his European debut in Turandot in Augsburg, Germany, he then was a soloist with the United States Air Forces 'Singing Sergeants' frequently called upon to sing at the White House and for foreign heads of state as an official Ambassador to the United States. In 2010, Mr. Basile was featured as a soloist at the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul where he sang excerpts from the title role of the new opera " Leonardo's Bridge specifically written for him to sing in its premiere. A great singing actor, Frank Basile sang at the Metropolitan Opera House, Baltimore Opera, Utah Opera and throughout the United States and Europe.

We are proud to also present The Franco Gentilesca Young Artists Program Winner 2013: Tenor Alfred Mendez graduating from Laguardia High School of Music and Art.

Named by Classical Singer magazine as "Coach of the Year", renowned recitalist, accompanist and pianist Jane Krueger is presently on the faculties of Martina Arroyo's Prelude to Performance and the Westchester Summer Vocal Institute. Ms. Krueger has accompanied major artists such as Cecilia Bartoli, Paul Plishka, Sumi Jo, and Vinson Cole through her association with the Mostly Mozart Festival. We look forward to her collaboration with Opera of the Hamptons.

A scintillating evening of great music, great wine at the beautiful Duck Walk Vineyards North! Don't forget to bring a delicious repast to enjoy! It's the best night of the summer. See you at the Opera!

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