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.
Through the course of the last 26 years, this financial support has been extended to include organizations that provide young singers with performance opportunities. 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 $100,000 to MOT.
Another significant project, which helped numerous singers in their development, was professional coaching sessions on a monthly basis, 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 to benefit over 50 singers.
SOS has sponsored 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 numerous grants awarded to singers to assist with tuition at professional summer programs in the U. S. and abroad, as well as to help with audition expenses and role preparations. Organizational Grants include 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 the 26 years exceeds $500,000.
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.
Through the course of the last 26 years, this financial support has been extended to include organizations that provide young singers with performance opportunities. 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 $100,000 to MOT.
Another significant project, which helped numerous singers in their development, was professional coaching sessions on a monthly basis, 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 to benefit over 50 singers.
SOS has sponsored 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 numerous grants awarded to singers to assist with tuition at professional summer programs in the U. S. and abroad, as well as to help with audition expenses and role preparations. Organizational Grants include 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 the 26 years exceeds $500,000.