OPERA News:

Music lovers of all ages are invited to enjoy an hour of music at Fuller Lodge 3:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, a gift from the Los Alamos Opera Guild of The Guilds of The Santa Fe Opera, Inc.

Soprano Lauren Partin of Los Alamos. Courtesy/LAOG

Now in its eighth season, Young Voices is an audition-based program of The Santa Fe Opera, created to teach, coach and nurture vocal talent in high school students from across New Mexico.

Fifteen students, accepted by audition, receive weekly voice lessons and coaching. The faculty is comprised of noted mezzo-soprano and stage director Kathleen Clawson, pianist Kirt Pavitt and the head of the opera’s music staff, Robert Tweten. For a fifth year, Young Voices welcomes Paul Roth as accompanist. Kirt Pavitt and Kathleen Clawson are co-directors of Young Voices.

Two members of Young Voices, baritone Devon McCleskey and soprano Lauren Partin, both residents of Los Alamos, will sing solos and selections from opera, accompanied by Kirt Pavitt, who also will perform piano solos.

Baritone Devon McCleskey of Los Alamos. Courtesy/LAOG

This short program provides an opportunity to introduce children to opera as well as a chance for seasoned opera lovers to enjoy enchanting music. Meet Karen Henderson, local guild president, and Kyle Gray from the Santa Fe Opera staff to learn about educational programs, such as “Opera Makes Sense” and additional community concerts offered around the state.

Stay to enjoy refreshments following the program and mingle with the singers and each other. Direct questions to Karen Henderson at koh7x@yahoo.com or Ginny White at ginny@atomicski.org.