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Help Liam Sing Opera This Summer!

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My name is Liam Shannon. I am 20 years old, and I study classical voice on a scholarship at Bennington College.

Music has always been my greatest passion. I started violin lessons at the age of six, and I played with the Springfield Youth Orchestra from late middle school through high school.  I added piano lessons at age 12, and subsequently went through a heavy metal band phase, where I played keyboards and sang.

And then I discovered opera at the age of 14! At that time I also learned that I loved theater and began acting in numerous productions.  Over time I realized that theater, singing and music could create opera. I now wanted to study voice, but it took me until I was just shy of 18 to tell my parents. Finances have been a great obstacle, but thanks to the care and kindness of my first voice teacher, Melinda Beasi, I was able to start pursuing my dream. Concurrently, I auditioned for and was accepted into the Springfield Symphony Chorus by chorus director Nikki Stoia who also appointed me the baritone section leader.

Recently I auditioned and was accepted at the Opera Lucca summer program in Lucca, Italy, recommended to me by my amazing classical voice professor, Tom Bogdan.  This program takes place June 11 through July 6, 2018.  It gives young singers the opportunities, or opera-tunities, to go to Tuscany for three weeks, and study opera in depth and simultaneously study Italian in a total immersion language program.

In order to attend the Opera Lucca Summer Program, I need your financial support. I am one of five highly artistic siblings, and my family is of modest means.  I have a work study job, and am saving up to help fund my trip. However, I need your help.

I need to raise $5,000 to help cover tuition, travel expenses, room and board by early June. 

Tuition: $2,800
Lodging: $600
Food:$950
Airfare: $1,200
Transportation: $300
Incidentals: $250

Total: $6,100


Please help me do what I love.

Thank you!

Liam

Photo credit:  Sebenele Sbobo Ndlangamandla
Accompanist: Cheryl Noble
Videographer: John Shannon

Organizer

Liam Shannon
Organizer
Amherst, MA

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