By The Times/Ledger
For the first time on Long Island, legendary Metropolitan Opera star Marilyn Horne will provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse of her craft when she holds a master class for young opera singers on the stage of the Jeanne Rimsky Theater at the Landmark on Main Street Community Center in Port Washington. The date is set for Tuesday evening, Feb. 15, at 8 p.m.
During this authentic master class, attendees will be afforded an intimate close-up as Horne tests the mettle and technique of advanced singers who aspire to be the next Domingos, Sutherlands and Flemings. The renowned mezzo-soprano will serve as their critic and coach with a mix of tough love, candor, humor, on-the-spot inspiration and creativity.
The master class will touch on all the vital components of a vocal performance including: breath control, timing, diction, stage presence and acting – even lessons in how to overcome stage fright.
Horne, who has been called the “Star Spangled Singer,” has received numerous accolades and honors in the arts as well as academia. Among her many worldwide prizes are the Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters from France's Ministry of Culture, the Commendatore al Merito della Republica Italiana, the Fidelio Gold Medal from the International Association of Opera Directors and the Covent Garden Silver Medal for Outstanding Service.
She was named Kennedy Center Honoree in 1995 by President Clinton and in 1992 received the National Medal of the Arts from President George Bush and the Endowment for the Arts.
Horne celebrated 26 years as a leading lady at the Metropolitan Opera and was honored at the San Francisco Opera for her 39 seasons there in October. Her numerous academic awards include many honorary doctorates from schools, including the Juilliard School and John Hopkins University.
Grammy Awards have been presented to Horne for her operatic recordings of Handel's “Semele,” “Presenting Marilyn Horne,” “In Concert at the Met with Leontyne Price and Marilyn Horne,” and “Carmen (conducted by Leonard Bernstein).”
Horne's international success in the most difficult of coloratura mezzo-soprano roles, led to the revival of many of Rossini and Handel's greatest operas.
Tickets are on sale now, but seating is limited. General admission is $30, seniors and Friends of Landmark pay $27 and student tickets go for $25. Major credit cards are accepted. Call 516-767-1384 or fax 516-767-7261. Or purchase in person at the Landmark office at 232 Main St., Port Washington.
