Meet Jessica Marty, West Side Collaborative Middle School 7th Grader-turned-Opera Prima Donna
New York City Opera held its summer gala at Central Park’s Boathouse on May 16 with a special performance by Deborah Voigt and Tony-winner Ted Sperling. Patrons such as Anna Wintour and Sue Carey helped to raise funds for NYCO’s educational programming, which brings its version of opera to New York City’s classrooms. Kids participate firsthand in special renditions of the high-quality art, enabling them the rare opportunity to expand upon their cultural side.
Despite harsh budget cuts at many city schools, NYC Opera Education worked with 5,000 students in over 40 schools across the five boroughs as well as Westchester, New Jersey, Long Island and Connecticut in 2010-11. The gala served as a major fundraiser to involve schools that may not be able to afford participation.
Scooter spoke with West Side Collaborative 7th grader Jessica Marty to learn more about her experience with NYC Opera Education. She starred as Violetta in her school’s production of La Traviata. Read More
