Bucks Opera features resident artists from Academy of Vocal Arts

The Bucks County Opera Association of the Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) hosts its annual fundraiser Sunday, Oct. 20, at the historic Washington Crossing Inn.

The Bucks County Opera Association exists to support the AVA, which is dedicated to the development of exceptionally talented young singers who have the potential for international stature on the operatic stage.

The fundraiser will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. and will feature performances by Resident Artists of the Academy of Vocal Arts.

“This is a wonderful afternoon of gorgeous music performed by the world-class singers,” said Bucks County Opera Association Co-Chair Barbara Donnelly Bentivoglio. “Attendees of this event can see future opera stars, right here in Bucks County.”

Guests can enjoy cocktails, appetizers and a sit-down dinner, as well as a silent auction.

The performers include AVA Resident Artists Yihan Duan (soprano), Chelsea Laggan (mezzo-soprano), Sahel Salam (tenor) and Griffen Hogan Tracy (bass), accompanied by pianist José Meléndez. Also singing will be Anne Marie Stanley, a new resident artist at AVA and a former resident of Buckingham. The selection of music will include beloved opera classics.

Bucks County Opera Association Co-Chair Susan E. Kane added, “This is a great opportunity for anyone curious about opera to become introduced. Additionally, this is a wonderful event that any opera aficionado will enjoy.”

Bucks County residents have another opportunity to see AVA Resident Artists perform in the spring, when they will perform Verdi’s “Un ballo in maschera” (“A Masked Ball”) May 9, at Central Bucks High School South.

All proceeds of this fundraiser will benefit the Academy of Vocal Arts Scholarship Fund, which provides tuition-free operatic training. Admission into AVA’s four-year program is highly competitive, and AVA is the only tuition-free institution in the world dedicated exclusively to the study of voice.

Many graduates now perform on the stages of the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, Covent Garden, Vienna Opera, and other worldwide halls.

Attendees may RSVP to Susan E. Kane by calling 215-862-2526

Washington Crossing Inn is located at 1295 General Washington Memorial Blvd., Washington Crossing.

Tickets are $175 per person; $60 is tax deductible.