History of SOS
Supporters of Opera Singers, Inc. is a not-for-profit Wisconsin Corporation that began business in 1998. The five original Directors were Helen Ceci, Pat Crump as President, Phil Crump, Marguerite Greinke and Connie Haas. Its principal purpose was to provide financial and educational support for young opera singers.
An early and ongoing relationship involved encouragement and financial support for what has developed into the Milwaukee Opera Theatre. Starting in 1999 and continuing today at an increasing level, SOS has granted over $85,000 to MOT.
Another significant project that that helped numerous singers in their development was professional coaching sessions of one hour a month for six months involving five singers, followed by a formal concert at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts. The program was administered by the Civic Music Association, but the concept and funding came from SOS. From August, 2002 through August, 2012, a total of $25,000 was spent on that program.
SOS has sponsored fully or in part fifteen Master Classes, not only on voice but other subjects as well, such as audition techniques and considerations in hiring an agent. There have been many grants to singers to assist in their attendance at professional summer programs in the U. S. and abroad. Grants have also included support for Fresco Opera Theatre and Opera for the Young in Madison, Kenosha Opera Festival, Brew City Opera, and for the Florentine Opera for Schools program, as well as for the development of an original musical, “Victory for Victoria”, in Milwaukee.
The total spent for all activities over 25 years exceeds $350,000.
Supporters of Opera Singers, Inc. is a not-for-profit Wisconsin Corporation that began business in 1998. The five original Directors were Helen Ceci, Pat Crump as President, Phil Crump, Marguerite Greinke and Connie Haas. Its principal purpose was to provide financial and educational support for young opera singers.
An early and ongoing relationship involved encouragement and financial support for what has developed into the Milwaukee Opera Theatre. Starting in 1999 and continuing today at an increasing level, SOS has granted over $85,000 to MOT.
Another significant project that that helped numerous singers in their development was professional coaching sessions of one hour a month for six months involving five singers, followed by a formal concert at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts. The program was administered by the Civic Music Association, but the concept and funding came from SOS. From August, 2002 through August, 2012, a total of $25,000 was spent on that program.
SOS has sponsored fully or in part fifteen Master Classes, not only on voice but other subjects as well, such as audition techniques and considerations in hiring an agent. There have been many grants to singers to assist in their attendance at professional summer programs in the U. S. and abroad. Grants have also included support for Fresco Opera Theatre and Opera for the Young in Madison, Kenosha Opera Festival, Brew City Opera, and for the Florentine Opera for Schools program, as well as for the development of an original musical, “Victory for Victoria”, in Milwaukee.
The total spent for all activities over 25 years exceeds $350,000.
