For Immediate Release

Contacts:
Gloria Gottschalk, New School University
(212) 229-5667, ext. 239
Patricia Ann Neely, Mannes College of Music
(212) 580-0210, ext. 228

SOPRANO RENATA SCOTTO TO LEAD MASTER CLASS AT MANNES COLLEGE OF MUSIC ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2001 AT 7:30 PM

(December 11, 2000 — New York, NY) World renowned soprano, Renata Scotto, returns to Mannes College of Music in January/February 2001 to spend a week with Mannes students, culminating in a public master class on Friday, February 2, 2001 at 7:30 PM in the Mannes College of Music Concert Hall at 150 West 85^th Street, NYC. (To reach Mannes, take the #1,9 subway to 86^th Street.) Admission is $20 at the door. For further information, call Mannes College of Music, (212) 496-8524.

Renata Scotto has reached a stature few have achieved in the classical music world. Ms. Scotto continues to take challenges in her professional life. She has an operatic repertory of more than 100 roles. In addition, she has stage directed several operas. A highlight of the 2000/20001 season includes her staging of "Tosca" for the Florida Grand Opera. As a recitalist, she has performed extensively in Europe’s major music capitals. Since 1996, Ms. Scotto has dedicated several weeks each season to performing in concert with the leading orchestras of the world, giving master classes, and singing recitals. In recent seasons, she has added Berlioz’ "Les nuits d’ete," several songs of Richard Strauss, and several of Mahler’s "Rückertlieder" songs. Ms. Scotto founded the Renata Scotto Vocal Academy sponsored by the Italian Government and co-sponsored by the town of Albisola and the Region of Ligure, Italy. The Academy’s activities take place each year between July and August on the Italian Riviera.

Other upcoming opera events at Mannes will include Conversations on Opera with Mannes Opera director Joseph Colaneri on Thursday, March 29 at 7:30 PM, and a fully-staged opera production on Wednesday, May 9, 7:30 PM, and Thursday, May 10, 7:30 PM, at The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College.

- end -