The Tribune

IT ISN'T easy to surpass a resounding success, but the encore of Bizet-Broadway did just that - enchanting newcomers and returning guest alike. Once again, the audience was treated to the genius of world-class vocalists, who performed operatic classics and Broadway favourites, not from the restrictions of a stage, but in the very midst of the guests. The result was in intimate atmosphere in which the audience became part of the performance. Repeat guests were delighted to see the return of tenor Keith Klassen and soprano Gianna Corbisiero, who all agreed transcended their first performance; and the addition of baritone Gordon Bintner and mezzo-soprano Julie Nezrallah augmented their talent beautifully. Once again, they were masterfully accompanied by pianist Professor Michael McMahon, a top voice trainer in Canada, who also chose the evening's repertoire. This year's Bizet-Broadway was sold out well in advance and again raised $20,000 for a voice scholarship fund. Several local students will be offered partial grants to further their studies and Wendy Nielsen from the University of Toronto, recognised as one of Canada's leading voice trainers, spent March 5-9 with aspiring Bahamian vocalists thanks to the event. The Old Fort Bay Club, which hosted the first event, again proved to be the perfect venue. Guests were treated to an elegant pool-side champagne reception, courtesy of Young's Champagne, followed by a sumptuous gourmet dinner. Pioneered in Montreal, Canada, the concept was brought to Nassau by the Bizet-Broadway committee in conjunction with the Nassau Music Society. The team included: committee chair Cornelia Nihon, Elizabeth Covington, Melissa Maura, Michelle White, Rosemary Alexiou, Patrick Thompson and Italia Wakins-Jan. They thanked corporate sponsors, Winterhotham Trust Co Ltd; Serenity Point, Abaco; Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch Private Bank and Trust; and Young's Champagne, for their generous support.