JTVA Competition Details Announced at May 18th Founders Event
1st Founders Event a Success! - On May 18th, JTVA held its first Founders Event in the beautiful showroom of the Piedmont Piano Company in uptown Oakland.
This celebratory evening of wine, cheese, and music was held to recognize and express our appreciation to all of our initial donors who are making this all possible.
This event was well attended by an enthusiastic group who were welcomed by JTVA Board Chairman Paul Starrs, who spoke about the history and mission of this new organization. He was followed by Michael Morgan, Music Director of the Oakland East Bay Symphony Orchestra, who shared his excitement for the competition and announced that the first place competition winner would be featured as a soloist in an OEBS concert.
Founder James Toland, shared his vision for the organization and provided details for the voice competition to be held June 21, 2014. This included the announcement that renowned American mezzo-soprano, Susanne Mentzer, will hold a master class with Tier I competition finalists the day prior to the competition.
The evening concluded with performances of arias and songs by Lauren Woody, Adam Chase, Genoa Starrs, and NickHengl who were accompanied by pianist Ron Valentino. These fine singers represent the kind ofdeveloping talent that JTVA and its generous supporters hope to encourage! Kudos to Board Vice Chair Heather Peri and her wonderful group of volunteers for planning and producing this wonderful event. Please visit our Facebook page to see more pictures of this great evening.
Looking Ahead
Rossmoor Opera and Ballet Club will be hosting JTVA Board members Helen Sheaff and James Toland who will discuss the beginnings and early planning for the vocal competition and the details for next summer’s inaugural event. Joining them will be several singers to offer a glimpse the promising talent of potential competitors. The event will be at 1 p.m. on August 21st in the Fireside Room at the Rossmoor Gateway Complex. The event will be open to the public for a $5 fee.
Like Wine? Chocolate? Singing?
Planning is underway for a fundraising Wine & Chocolate Musicale on the afternoon of October 13th on Grand Avenue in Oakland. Three neighboring businesses have agreed to host a JTVA event featuring wine, chocolate, and singing.
Panorama Framing has graciously agreed to lend their new gallery as a venue for the singers who will take turns serenading the public. Between sets, those in attendance can take a break by visiting next door’s artisanal chocolatier,
Michael Mischer’s Chocolates or step further next door into Grand Avenue's new wine bar, The Red Whale.
The event is being planned for Sunday afternoon, October 13th from 3- 6. JTVA will sell raffle tickets for $10 for several exciting door prizes. Mark your calendars now and plan to join us for a delightful afternoon!