FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information please contact: Melissa Gerstein (646) 369-5247 or melissa--AT--bropera.org  Please also visit, www.bropera.org

Singspiration to join Brooklyn Repertory Opera Family

Beginning on May 23, 2009, Brooklyn Repertory Opera will introduce a new lecture/performance series for children called Singspiration.  The first three unit series is designed for boys from 12-16 years of age.   Conceived by Brooklyn Repertory Opera bass, Ilberto Lagana, Singspiration will introduce children to opera and classical music through interactive instruction and will conclude with a performance at the end of the series. The classes are being taught by Mr. Lagana and his teacher, Metropolitan Opera star, Peter Volpe. The first class begins on May 23, from 2:00 - 4:00 PM, the second class is on June 6 from 3:00 - 5:00 PM and the final class, a public concert is on June 13 from 3:00 - 5:00 PM.

Singspiration is being sponsored by NY Youth at Risk, www.nyyouthatrisk.org.  NY Youth at Risk is a not-for-profit, volunteer driven organization committed to transforming the lives of young people through persistent and compassionate mentoring. Their mission is to decrease the at-risk behavior of youth and to enhance the effectiveness of the people who live and work with them. Youth At Risk currently provides both prevention and intervention services.

American bass Peter Volpe continually receives critical and popular acclaim on four continents. Possessing a vast and ever-expanding repertoire of over 80 roles in 6 languages, he commands an impressive expanse of style and interpretive skill.  Mr. Volpe made his notable Metropolitan Opera debut in their new production of Prokofiev's War and Peace, and subsequently returned for new productions of Berlioz' Les Troyen, Strauss' Salome, Mussorgsky's Boris Godunov, as well as Falstaff, Gianni Schicchi, Carmen, Aida, I Vespri Siciliani, Cyrano di Bergerac, and Andrea Chenier.

The mission of Brooklyn Repertory Opera, is to give back to the community by nourishing the soul of music lovers everywhere, by offering top quality performances that are accessible to everyone, regardless of income level, without language barriers. They provide aspiring performing artists a forum for their talents, while providing cultural enrichment to all in the community.

The Singspiration series is $25, or $10 for each individual class. The Brooklyn Lyceum is located at 227 4th Ave, Brooklyn, New York (located on the corner of President and 4th Avenue). It is accessible to the R Subway at the Union Street stop.  For reservations or more information, visit www.bropera.org.