Audition Now for the NJ Association of Verismo Opera Chorus. New Dates Added

FORT LEE, NJ, January 25, 2013 (Press-News.org) If you like to sing and want to learn from the best, the NJ Association of Verismo Opera Chorus wants you. Auditions for the Verismo Opera Chorus resume on Wednesday, January 23 and continue on January 30 and February 6, 13, 20 and 27, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at 44 Armory Street in Englewood, New Jersey. An audition appointment is required.

NJ Association of Verismo Opera Artistic Director and Met Opera luminary Lucine Amara invites singers to audition for the Verismo Opera Chorus, get much needed experience, and receive free coaching.

"At one time, all singers started in the chorus. I spent two years in the San Francisco Chorus and learned stage deportment, acting, how to handle stage nerves, and much more that Verismo Opera also teaches singers in the Verismo Opera Chorus. Companies do not hire unproven artists. Get some real stage experience. Learn the craft, and join the Verismo Opera Chorus. The free coaching we provide is invaluable," said Amara.

Applicants should bring one or two songs to perform. An accompanist will be provided.

Male choristers, representing all vocal ranges - basses, baritones, and tenors -- and ages, are especially needed. Sight-reading ability is definitely a plus, but not necessary. No prior stage experience is required. An application, available on the organization's web site, must be completed and submitted. For information or to schedule an appointment to audition for the chorus, call (201) 886-0561.

Under Chorus Director Mara Waldman, singers will explore grand opera through active performances. The operas will be fully staged and performed in costume accompanied by an orchestra under internationally renowned Principal Conductor/Music Director Anthony Morss in a number of performing arts centers.

During the company's 23rd season, Love, Comedy, Obsession & Murder, choristers will perform in the company's spring production of Ruggiero Leoncavallo's I Pagliacci on Sunday, April 21 at 3:00 p.m. and Pietro Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana and Puccini's Suor Angelica on Sunday, October 20 at 3:00 at the Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) in Englewood, New Jersey and other venues. The company will also perform Giacomo Puccini's Gianni Schicchi on April 21 as a double bill.

About NJ Association of Verismo Opera

The NJ Association of Verismo Opera (Verismo Opera) has been a part of the New Jersey music scene since 1989. The opera company, a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization based in Fort Lee New Jersey, is the only professional opera company in Bergen County and northern New Jersey. The organization provides performing opportunities for young musicians and artists and sponsors an annual vocal competition held in November with finals generally held at Carnegie Hall's Weill Hall, drawing artists from all over the United States, Canada, and Europe. The company also organizes opera workshops and offers affordable, highly professional operatic productions in the Bergen County, New Jersey community.

The company is recognized for providing up and coming performing artists with the training to attain a successful operatic career. Several singers, notably Richard Hobson, Frank Poretta, Emmanuel di Villarosa, James Valenti and Irina Rindzuner of the Metropolitan Opera, started their road to success by performing in Verismo Opera productions.

For more information about the NJ Association of Verismo Opera, visit the company's web site, view updates on Facebook, follow the company on Twitter or call (201) 886-0561.