UCI music master class to feature soprano, feedback

Opera soprano Elizabeth Futral will replace opera diva Shirley Verrett and comment on the performances of four UCI music students in a master class from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at Winifred Smith Hall at the UCI arts complex.

The class, part of UCI’s Arts Song and Artistry Series, is sponsored by UCI’s Claire Trevor School of the Arts. Verrett canceled her appearance due to illness.

In 1994, Futral performed Delibes’ “Lakme” at the New York City Opera, and has performed works by Vivaldi, Handel, Mozart and Previn at opera houses including the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Opera Louisianne, Pittsburgh Opera and the Metropolitan Opera.

The class is open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Admission is free. Futral will comment on the operatic arias performed by the music students, who will be accompanied by two pianists.

“This is a rare opportunity for singers as well as non-singers to learn from one of the top talents in opera,” UCI associate professor of music Darryl Taylor said in a written statement.

For more information, call (949) 824-6615 or go to music.arts.uci.edu.

— Sue Thoensen