The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
Music for a cause
Linda Creed Breast Cancer.Org charity’s “Opera and More” raises money for research
NORRISTOWN»“Rigoletto” and “Man of La Mancha” tunes side by side in the same show? Why not? “L’Elisir d’amore” and “West Side Story?”
Yes, opera and Broadway can make a compelling combination.
“Opera and More” allows the singers from the Academy of the Vocal Arts to mix things up any way they want to, as they have
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done before, and the audience will love it all over again on Saturday, April 14.
For the third year, the Linda Creed Breast Cancer. Org charity (LindaCreedbreastcancer.org) will present its musical cornucopia of recognizable opera, light opera and Broadway songs to raise money for the fight against breast cancer.
“I have been telling people that even if they are opera-phobes, they’ll enjoy our event, because there is music for everyone, plus a chance to meet the artists and have some nice refreshments,” noted organizer Mary Treisbach, who handles marketing and is on the Linda Creed Breast Cancer.Org board of directors.
Featuring mezzo Gaby Flores, tenor Piotr Buszewski; baritone Daniel Noyola, with Luke Housner on piano, the popular event, formerly held at Villanova, switches stages this year to Roberts Choral Room, David L. Kurtz Center for the Performing Arts at Penn Charter School, 3000 W. School House Lane, Philadelphia, April 14, 2 to 4 p.m. with reception to follow.
“We are excited to hold the event at The William Penn Charter School because they have been so gracious and helpful in offering a lovely location for the event - plus they are basically in the backyard of where Linda Creed grew up and went to school,” Treisbach said.
“April is a busy time, but we hope people will come to this event because it’s an unusual fundraiser with uplifting music and talented performers for a great cause.”
Treisbach noted that a silent auction will offer such items as AVA and Concert Operetta tickets; a Four Seasons basket “with plenty of seasonal items to play off the name of the Vivaldi composition; a coffee and tea basket featuring a donation from Vic, the manager at my local Dunkin Donuts;” a home and garden basket including a one-day garden design consultation by Cramer Design of Wynnewood, an “Entertainment” basket with books, books on tape and two gift certificates to the Hard Rock Cafe; Peoples Light and Theatre Company tickets, and a Woodmere Gallery membership.
The mission of Linda Creed Breast Cancer.Org is to fight breast cancer through communitybased education and referral, support, advocacy and direct service for those who need us, Tresibach said.
“We accomplish this by educating women and their families with regard to detection, treatment and survival strategies; offering access to detection and treatment resources; providing information regarding breast health and breast cancer; providing critical financial assistance to women receiving breast cancer treatment; driving an effective advocacy agenda; supporting critical breast cancer legislation and seeking increased governmental funding for breast cancer research,” she noted.
The Linda Creed organization was founded in 1987 by friends and family of singer-songwriter Linda Creed, who died at the age of 37 after waging a 10-year battle with breast cancer. It was the first freestanding breast cancer organization, dedicated to offering women many lifesaving services, including mammogram referrals and counseling, community-based education, support and advocacy, noted Treisbach,
The initial screenings were offered in conjunction with Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, but today the organization collaborates with several hospitals in the tri-state area.
Tickets for “Opera and More” are $40 for adults and $35 for seniors and available by calling 610635-0525, or visiting www. lindacreed.org/donationsonline.php noting “Opera” in the comments section.
Tickets will also be available at the door.