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SongFest Program for Singers Presented An Evening at the Opera 

SongFest, an intensive summer training program for aspiring classical singers, presented its final performances for the 2007 season on July 12 and July 13 in Smothers Theatre on the Pepperdine University campus in Malibu. Both performances were free and open to the public.  

The two performances featured singers from the Young Artist Program performing scenes from operas by Mozart, Donizetti, Verdi, Bizet, Delibes, Floyd, and Offenbach. Conductor Kritof Van Gryspeer led the singers and chamber orchestra in the repeat performances, with stage direction by William Gustafson.

Founded in 1996 and directed by pianist Rosemary Hyler Ritter, SongFest features an internationally respected faculty of professional performers, directors, lecturers, and master teachers who form a cohesive, committed, and united teaching team. This season's esteemed guest artists include Graham Johnson, pianist; Martin Katz, pianist; Craig Smith, conductor; Peggy Pearson, oboist; Sheryl Cohen, flutist; Jake Heggie, composer; Ricky Ian Gordon, composer; James Primosch, composer; Judith Kellcok, soprano; D'Anna Fortunato, mezzo-soprano; and Janice Felty, mezzo-soprano.

The goal of SongFest is to provide gifted singers and pianists the opportunity to study and interact intimately with artists of the highest level. Each year, SongFest has brought more than 100 artists and auditors together with the common goals of broadening the understanding and knowledge of the vocal art form and strengthening skills and performance.

For additional information, please visit the SongFest Web site, or call the SongFest office at (310) 506-7511.