Alexandra Galla is a recent graduate of Western Michigan University with a degree in Vocal Performance. Ms. Galla has performed with Opera Grand Rapids as a Chorus member in The Magic Flute and La Traviata, was the winner of the 2017-18 Collegiate Vocal Competition, and has been a part of the Opera Grand Rapids Emerging Artist program. Ms. Galla works part-time in the Box Office, and will join the staff full-time in September as the Opera’s Box Office and Community Relations Manager.
Author: Opera Grand Rapids
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT Donald Hartmann
Where are you originally from?
Greensboro, NC
Who has inspired you/been your greatest influence professionally? Why?
This would be a difficult question to answer. I have always been inspired by the many teachers I had as a student. I suppose as soon as I became an “artist”, I received most of my inspiration from colleagues: singers, conductors, stage directors, etc. There have been too many influences to list!
Who/what brought you into the world of Opera?
As a student, I began to listen to opera recordings. I heard two very famous singers perform recitals in person: Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau and Leontyne Price. Those events changed my world.
I had NO idea how the human voice
could sing like that and they could enthrall an audience. The two programs
were amazing.
Where do you live now?
I live in Greensboro, NC where I am a Professor of Voice at the University of NC at Greensboro.Read More >
GREGORY SANIAL From around the world to OGR
Opera Grand Rapids Board Member Spotlight
Where are you originally from?
I was born in Miami, but combination of my father’s military career and my own military career means I moved 24 times.
What do you do for a living?
Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer at Grand Valley State University
Hobbies?
Reading, Running, NY Times Crossword Puzzle, homebrewing, time with my 6 year old daughter.
Where is your favorite place to travel? Why?
Europe… my wife was born in Prague and grew up in Norway, there is so much history and things to see.
What/Who got you involved with OGR? (Past and Current)
Bob Evett recruited me when I indicated my interest in supporting the organization.Read More >
Opera Grand Rapids Announces 2019-2020 Season
For its 52nd Season of great operatic spectacles, Opera Grand Rapids is excited to bring to West Michigan two stunning performances: Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Mikado and Puccini’s Turandot.
“We are thrilled to bring to life two iconic works for our Grand Rapids audiences for the up-coming season. By pairing Gilbert & Sullivan’s beloved satire The Mikado with Puccini’s final opera Turandot, Opera Grand Rapids offers two truly contrasting stories, continuing the company’s long-standing reputation for providing unique musical experiences to the community.”
– James Meena, Artistic Director at Opera Grand Rapids
Opera Grand Rapids will open the 2019-20 performance season with The Mikado, at St. Cecilia Music Center on November 1-2, 2019. The production will feature the robust voice and excellent comedic timing of opera “buffo” role expert Steven Condy, under the stage direction of rising star Eve Summer who has been described as having “a gift for translating classical symbolism into familiar detail.”
Bookending the performance season, Opera Grand Rapids will present a fully-staged, traditional telling of Puccini’s deathbed masterpiece, Turandot, on May 1-2, 2020 at DeVos Performance Hall. Known for her “voice of true substance,” soprano Amy Shoremount-Obra will make her debut with the company as the legendary ice princess, Turandot.
Read the full press release here.
Opera Grand Rapids Announces a new Executive Director, Emilee Syrewicze
Opera Grand Rapids is excited to announce the appointment of our new Executive Director, Emilee Syrewicze.
“We are thrilled to welcome Emilee as our new Executive Director. She will bring experience, enthusiasm, great communication skills, and a fresh air to our organization. We feel very lucky to have found her and look forward to a successful and invigorating season with her at the helm.”
– Diane St. Claire, Opera Grand Rapids Board of Trustees President
Syrewicze currently serves as the Executive Director of the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation in Charlotte, North Carolina. Prior, she was Executive Director of the Northwest Michigan Supportive Housing (NMSH) in Traverse City, Michigan. Syrewicze, a classically trained pianist, earned a B.A. at Alma College, Alma, Michigan, in Political Science with concentrations in chemistry and music and a J.D. with a focus on nonprofit and environmental law/policy at Vermont Law School in South Royalton, Vermont.
“As a native of West Michigan, I consider Opera Grand Rapids my home opera company. I’m thrilled to lead one of Michigan’s most elite performing arts organizations and help bring this complex and beautiful art form to a broader audience.”
– Emilee Syrewicze
Emilee will join the company on May 1, 2019 and will oversee the remainder of the company’s 2018-19 Season, including the Night with the Opera Gala on May 10 and Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata, June 14th -15th.
“We have every confidence that she will bring a firm commitment to excellence, the hallmark of our company. Opera Grand Rapids continues to move forward as a vibrant and important regional cultural institution, and with our new Executive Director in place, the company can excel for the benefit of our entire community for years to come.”
– Maestro James Meena, Artistic Director