Share:

Spring semester for the Performing and Communication Arts Division is expected to be busy. The events showcased will include a plethora of theatrical productions, musical recitals and concerts, which will exhibit Lancer student talent.

PCC will experience a first when world-renowned opera singer Carol Vaness, will be conducting a master class, providing budding opera students with individual instruction.

Vaness is a Southern California native who began her professional career in 1979 with the New York City opera and made her Metropolitan Opera debut in 1984.

She has since developed into a celebrity of opera, and has performed in many of the major opera houses in Europe, the United States and around the world.

“I’m excited she’ll be working with our students. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Anne Marie Ketchum, vocal instructor and opera workshop director.

Vaness’ participation was funded by a former music major, Pamela Gerard, who died and whose family donated a large amount of money to enable Vaness’ coaching and part in the opera.

Gerard was noted by Ketchum as a quiet, reserved woman who was compassionate and kind to her peers, and showed a general love of music.

Auditions were also held this week for a major play production of “Hay Fever”, which will be directed by theater Professor Duke Stroud.

“It’s a comedy, it’s a classic,” said Stroud.

Stroud will also soon begin the production of another performance “Spoon River Anthology.”

Stroud said that theater classes are “doing well” and he feels the department has a lot of good actors.

“Enrollment is up. It’s killing me,” he said jokingly.

Events coordinator and publicist Norma Altschuler expects a “full schedule and multiple events.”

She anticipates the African Drumming and Dancing, but stressed the quality of all the performing arts scheduled this semester

The events this semester are expected to begin in March.

Follow: