October 10* has been designated as Proclamation Day for the decreeing of National Opera Week in WNY/Niagara. On that day, local opera proponents, supporters, and advocates will announce details of a regional opera festival that will boast upwards of 50 operatic events at over 25 locations. For the first time, WNY will be fully participating in National Opera Week, on a scale that will put opera front and center, similar to how the jazz movement has been propelled in recent years.
National Opera Week in WNY/Niagara will take place between October 26 and November 4. The Erwin H. Johnson Memorial Fund, Inc. will be coordinating and promoting the events, which are being made possible thanks to the support and efforts of the Erwin H. Johnson Memorial Fund, Inc. and in part by Opera Volunteers International, Niagara Falls Bridge Commission, and OperaBuffs of WNY. The performances will include light classical, full operas, concerts, and classes.
On Friday, October 26th from dusk until 12 AM, the Peace Bridge will be lit in burgundy and gold to reference the stage in opera houses and recognize this international national event.
This year’s impressive list of participants include the ABC Bel Canto Choir, Body Glyphix Studio, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, Buffalo Choral Arts Society, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Canadian Opera Company, Chautauqua Youth Chorale, Cheektowaga Community Symphony Orchestra, Eastman Opera Theatre, Erwin H. Johnson Memorial Fund, Inc., Fredonia School of Music, Friends of Vienna, Music Academy of WNY, Niagara Arts and Cultural Center, (NACC), Nickel City Opera, Opera Atelier, OperaBuffs of WNY, Rochester Lyric Opera, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Screening Room, and Shea’s Performing Arts Center (offering exceptional concerts, HD screenings, productions and free lectures to the public).
After October 10, free printed programs will be made available at all public libraries, detailing all of the events, classes, and performances. Opera fans can also download and print out the programs at that time by visiting celebrateoperawny.org.
*On this day, the EHJ Memorial Fund will host a “Proclamation Day.” The proclamation and further news on opera week will be acknowledged at 1 p.m. Wednesday, October 10 at Audubon Branch Library, 350 John J. Audubon Pkwy., Amherst. Speakers will be present to explain all things National Opera Week, followed by entertainment.