By Shirley Skeel
TACOMA – Sherrill Milnes, widely acclaimed as the foremost operatic baritone of his generation, will give two free, public talks in Tacoma on Monday, April 29.
Milne will present the talk “This Business of Opera!” at University of Puget Sound and Pacific Lutheran University thanks to a combined effort by Tacoma Opera and the two universities to bring the international opera star to the region.
On Monday morning, April 29, Milnes will share his opera stories and ideas at Pacific Lutheran from 11:15 a.m. to 12:20 p.m., in Lagerquist Concert Hall in the Mary Baker Russell Music Center. Milnes will speak at University of Puget Sound in Schneebeck Concert Hall from 3:30 to 4:20 p.m. The talk is free and open to the public at both locations.
A vocal master class will follow on the same Monday evening, from 7 to 9 p.m., in Schneebeck Concert Hall at Puget Sound. Selected vocal arts students from Puget Sound and Pacific Lutheran will have the opportunity to work with Milnes. The public is welcome to attend the free event, which will be followed by a reception.
The prior Saturday, April 27, at 7 p.m., Tacoma Opera will present An Evening with Sherrill Milnes, including an in-depth interview with the artist and videos from Milnes’ illustrious career. The event will take place at Theater on the Square, Broadway Center for the Performing Arts. A champagne reception, including an opportunity to meet the artist, will follow. All proceeds from the evening will benefit Tacoma Opera Education programs. Tacoma Opera is generously offering discounted tickets to students from Puget Sound and Pacific Lutheran. More information is below.
Sherrill Milnes, recipient of the Opera News Award for Distinguished Achievement, has performed at the world’s major opera houses in London, Milan, Berlin, Paris, Buenos Aires, Barcelona, Munich, Hamburg, and Moscow. A talented recitalist and master class teacher at institutions ranging from The Julliard School to the P. I. Tchaikovsky Moscow Conservatory, he has performed for every United States president since Gerald Ford.
At the Metropolitan Opera in New York, he was invited to be part of 16 new productions, seven opening nights, and 10 national telecasts. Milnes has the distinction of being the most recorded American opera singer and has an impressive discography encompassing many great opera and Broadway roles.
Funding for Milnes’ visit is provided by Tacoma Opera; Pacific Lutheran University’s School of Arts and Communication, and Department of Music; and University of Puget Sound’s Hoover Music Performance and Lectures Fund, and School of Music.
Tickets for the Tacoma Opera performance are $65 in advance and $75 at the door. Proceeds will benefit Tacoma Opera Education programs. Puget Sound and Pacific Lutheran university students, with campus ID, pay $20. For tickets call Tacoma Opera at 253.627.7789. The two lectures and master class by Sherrill Milnes are free and open to the public.