Metropolitan Opera Star Coming to the Historic Asolo Theater
Sarasota, FL – January 10, 2008 – Former star of the Metropolitan Opera, Sherrill Milnes will share a lifetime of memories in Sherill Milnes, American Aria: Encore at the Historic Asolo Theater at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art on Wednesday, Feb. 13 at 5:30 p.m.
Sherill Milnes, American Aria: Encore is the first of a new series this winter titled Conversations With the Legendary Artists of the Stage. This series will feature three legendary artists each with fascinating story of a distinguished career in the performing arts and an inspiring vision and commitment to share their legacy with the next generation. The series includes Sherill Milnes, American Aria: Encore, Marilyn Horne: The Song Continues and Jacques d’Amboise: He Makes Me Feel Like Dancing.
“Milnes is one of the most talented opera talents to grace the stage in decades” said Dwight Currie, Curator of Theater Programming at the Ringling. “The opportunity to peak into his life and hear the stories behind his success will inspire opera-goers and aspiring stars alike.”
Milnes is internationally recognized as one of the greatest Verdian baritones of his generation. Shortly after a serious, but non-career-ending ailment, he retired from the stage and has become a highly sought-after vocal teacher and trainer.
Milnes was attracted to music at a young age while living on a farm in Illinois. After college he pursued a career in opera. Accepted into the Boris Goldovsky Opera Company Milnes debuted at the New York City Opera as Valentin in Gounod’s Faust four years later. In Europe he became an international star as Miller in Verdi's Louisa Miller. Upon returning to America he quickly became a favorite in New York’s opera scene performing almost exclusively at the Metropolitan Opera.
Today, Milnes is dedicated to preparing future generations for careers in opera through V.O.I.C.E. (Vocal and Operatic Intensive Creative Experience), which he founded in 2001 with his current wife, mezzo-soprano Maria Zouves.
A book-signing and reception will follow the program.
Tickets for Sherill Milnes, American Aria: Encore are $30 and $27 for Ringling Members. A series of tickets for all three programs in the Conversations With the Legendary Artistsof the Stage series may be purchased for $81 and $72 for Ringling Members. Tickets are available at the Historic Asolo Theater Box Office by calling 941.360.7399 or www.ringling.org.
This program is sponsored in part by a grant to the Ringling Museum of Art Endowment by the law firm of Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg, P.A.