Nov. 7, 2005

Contact: Gordon Ovenshine 724-738-4854; gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

RENOWNED OPERA SINGER, BUTLER COUNTY NATIVE MARIANNE CORNETTI TO PERFORM DEC. 10 AT SRU

          SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. -- Internationally acclaimed opera singer Marianne Cornetti, a Butler County native, returns to Slippery Rock University Dec. 10 to present a scholarship benefit concert. The opera star’s performance at SRU a year ago raised $3,000, and this fall she helped create the Marianne Cornetti Scholarship to support music education students.

           “I was very fortunate to have been the recipient of several scholarships during my early years,” she said. “One of the greatest gifts we can give to young artists is support, support and more support.” 

           Various ticket options are available, from $25 to $100. A $100 ticket includes premier seating, a CD of last year’s performance and an invitation to an after-concert reception with Cornetti at the SRU President’s House. Call 724-738-2645. 

Her performance begins at 8 p.m. in Swope Recital Hall.

           Proceeds make music education possible for more students at SRU, which offers five degrees in music. “I am truly committed to enhancing this scholarship fund,” said Cornetti, of Cabot who has performed around the world.

           SRU’s Dr. Colleen Gray Neubert, assistant professor of music and a friend of Cornetti’s, said, “Her performance is a fabulous opportunity for our students to hear a singer of this caliber; to see how she handles herself and how she prepares for a performance.”

A mezzo-soprano, Cornetti has emerged as one of the most exciting Verdi voices. In the last two seasons, she has made international debuts at major theaters, including the Teatro alla Scala in Milan; Vienna State Opera; Teatro Carlo Felice, Genova; Teatro dell’ Opera di Roma; Teatro Bellini; Catania, at the Arena di Verona; and in Tokyo. She has won unanimous acclaim as Amneris in “Aida,” Azucena in “Il Trovatore,” Eboli in “Don Carlos” and as the Principessa di Bouillon in “Adriana Lecouvreur.”

A graduate of Duquesne University with a major in vocal performance, Cornetti undertook graduate studies at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Manhattan School of Music and at EPCASO Oderzo in Italy. She began her professional career singing supporting roles in important theaters such as the Metropolitan Opera, Pittsburgh Opera Center and at Wolf Trap.

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