Future Opera Representatives Taking Initiative Side by Side Improving Musical Opportunities (FORTISSIMO) hopes that a new president can help breath new life into the organization.
Jarred Frey, a sophomore majoring in vocal performance, was elected president at the Executive Board of Officers meeting last April and plans to improve the organization by hosting more exciting events and broadening membership eligibility.
“We aim to broaden the education of our music students, and to provide as many opportunities for doing so by hiring local and world renowned professional opera singers, musicians and teachers to teach master classes and host Q & A sessions via the internet and/or here at our university,” said Frey. “My plan to ‘bring the organization back to life’ is to revamp and reintroduce the organization and its purpose to our students in a fresh way.”
When the organization was founded in fall 2010 it was open strictly to vocal majors. However, with new officers, changes have been made to include the instrumentalists. There is also a pending decision on whether or not music minors will be accepted.
“We did this because we feel that the instrumentalists and music minors should be afforded the same opportunities as we (vocal majors) have in the betterment of their education and experiences as musicians,” said Frey.
While membership funnels to include only music students, the events FORTISSIMO sponsors are open for anyone who wishes to attend. The first event this semester is a Q & A session with Eric Whitacre, a world-renowned conductor and composer. The tentative date for this event is Sept. 14.
“Mr. Whitacre has written a library of notable works, many of which have been performed by both our instrumental and vocal ensembles here at the university,” said Frey. “It is an incredible privilege to get to spend time with someone of his caliber, and I know many of our students are filled with excitement at the chance before us.”
On Nov. 26 at 4:30 p.m. FORTISSIMO will be hosting a master class with Lisette Oropesa, an internationally acclaimed operatic soprano, in Pottle Auditorium. Oropesa obtained her Master’s degree from LSU and has recently renewed her contract with The Metropolitan Opera in New York City.
“Even though the membership is only open for music majors, the events that the general public can come to offer such amazing and wonderful experiences that many people dream for,” said Frey. “And that is a way for them to be involved with what our organization is doing.”
In addition to providing opportunities for music students, FORTISSIMO raises funds to donate to the opera/choir divisions of the Music department.
“We want to raise awareness and appreciation of the Fine and Performing Arts in our local communities and schools, so this is one way that we felt we could do that,” said Frey.
Music students who wish to join the organization are required to be a full-time student and pay a $25 due at the beginning of every semester.
“I think it’s a great organization, and I’m very excited to be a part of it,” said Kim Dupre, treasurer or FORTISSIMO. “My hope for the organization is that other universities get word of what we’re doing and decide to start up their own chapters to provide their students the same opportunities to network with such knowledgeable and incredible musicians.”
For more information on any upcoming events email Frey at jarred.frey@selu.edu or call 504-355-7858.