IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 6, 2009
CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine:
724.738.4854

gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

Opera sensation Marianne Cornetti hosts master class at SRU 

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Marianne Cornetti, an internationally renowned opera singer who supports a scholarship at Slippery Rock University, will teach a master class at the University Friday. The public is invited to observe her coaching seven student vocalists from 3-6 p.m. in Swope Recital Hall. 

            “Voice majors will perform for this great artist and be coached in their performance,” said Colleen Gray, SRU associate professor of music and a friend of Cornetti’s.  “It will be a fabulous opportunity for our students for learn from a singer of this caliber, to see how she practices and prepares for performances.”

            Student performers will include Anna Cypher, a vocal performance major from Evans City; Nicholas Kochanov, a vocal performance major from North Huntington; Angela Fenk, a vocal performance major from Pittsburgh; Zachary Wood, a vocal performance major from Waynesboro; Brian Mueller, a vocal performance major from Valencia; Nyomin Buhler, a music education major from Slippery Rock; and Trevor Greenfield, a music education major from Grove City. 

            In 2005, Cornetti performed a benefit concert at SRU to support the Marianne Cornetti Scholarship that she established to help SRU music education students.

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

           Cornetti, a mezzo-soprano, has performed a major international 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.

                      
Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.