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$20 General Admission
Viktoriya (Vita) Koreneva is a mesmerizing mezzo-soprano described as, “possessing a voice of distinct timbre, which she uses with a wonderful dramatic intensity”. A native of Moscow, Russia, her musical training includes piano and vocal studies at the Central Music School of Moscow under the auspices of the Tchaikovsky State Conservatory. Currently, Vita is pursuing her Music Composition degree at Berklee School of Music. Vita has recently made a successful debut with Bel Cantanti opera singing the title trouser role of Zanetto by P. Mascagni in Washington DC. Vita worked with the NJ Association of Verismo Opera covering the role of Amneris in Aida in the spring of 2017. Other highlights include: portraying Donna Elvira in W.A. Mozart’s Don Giovanni, singing the roles of Pythia and Alkmene in the Olympic Flame Greek opera at the Lincoln Center in New York; performing alto solo in Mozart’s Requiem with the UN Orchestra; Tebaldo in Don Carlo, Guilietta in the Tales of Hoffman and Alisa in Lucia di Lammermoor.
Vita is a finalist of New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera International Vocal Competition, a prize winner at the International 2016 Lyra New York Competition, and a First prize recipient in the 2015 William Haralson Vocal Competition in New York. Vita is also a 2016 recipient of UNESCO Honorary Award for premiering the Greek opera and a 2014 distinguished recipient of recognition award for strengthening Russian-American cultural relations.
www.viktoriyavitakoreneva.com
Kofi Hayford, bass, described as possessing a “stentorian bass voice” (National Herald) also produces a distinct sound - easily identified for its unique timbre. He is swiftly building his reputation as an accomplished young bass. Kofi’s major opera roles have included: La Roche in Strauss’ Capriccio, Raimondo in Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor, Sarastro in The Magic Flute(performed at Lincoln Center), Rodolfo in La Sonnambula, Bartolo in Le Nozze di Figaro, Sparafucile and Monterone in Rigoletto ,The Bonze in Madama Butterfly, and Baltassare in La Favorita. He also recently made his small stage Carnegie Hall debut singing at Weill Recital Hall. Kofi sang the inaugural performance of the Greek Opera Olympic Flame singing the roles of the titan Prometheus and Herakles’ son Hyllos at Lincoln Center - later receiving an award from UNESCO for this performance.
Notable solo engagements include: The Monk and The Grand Inquisitor in Verdi’s Don Carlo; Bass Soloist in Mozart’s Requiem; and Rossini's Stabat Mater; Count Monterone and from Verdi’s Rigoletto; Angelotti, Sacristan and the Jailer in Puccini’s Tosca; and the Doctor and Baron Douphol in Verdi's La Traviata. A 2017 NJ State Opera Guild Competition Finalist, Kofi received his Bachelor’s in Vocal Performance from University at Buffalo.