The Mission
Career highlights
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The mission of Opera-Essence Performances, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, was to provide audiences with an opportunity to create art by encouraging interactive participation in staged musical events. In so doing, Opera-Essence Performances involved the audience in an art form that is not generally accessible or available to all. Saluting the creative spirit in all of us, soprano Norma Mayer developed an interactive program of operatic arias and classical music used to introduce audiences of all ages to the classics. During the show, historical facts were presented in an enjoyable and accessible manner. Audience members were invited to participate on stage to create the drama of the scenes being performed. This show encouraged dramatic creativity through improvisatory acting, as well as musical creativity through the use of various percussion instruments. Costume pieces and props were also provided for the participants.
This concept was developed by Norma in Austin, Texas for Waldorf school children. During 2003 and 2004, the Monterey Opera Association engaged Norma to present this show in Monterey County schools. During 2005, the show toured Monterey County schools under the auspices of the Carl Cherry Center for the Arts. In addition since 2005 this show toured locally, throughout the United States, as well as in France and Estonia. It was featured on the Monterey First Night program, where it attracted audiences of all ages.
Comment from Colton Hall Evening Music Series:
"We thoroughly enjoyed Richard and Norma Mayer this week and are anxiously excited about our next cultural arts date night! My three teenaged daughters have always wanted to hear opera but we have never had the money for that luxury. I thank you and the City of Monterey for affording us such musical luxuries."
- Corey, Judi, Katie, Haley & Savannah Collier
With support from the Monterey Peninsula Foundation
With support from the Monterey County Board of Supervisors and
the Arts Council for Monterey County
With support from the Yellow Brick Road Benefit Shop, Carmel, California
With support from Fidelity Investments
With support from Boronda Ridge Ranch Winery
With support from the German International School of Silicon Valley
With support from the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, San Francisco
With support from the Rotary Club of Monterey
With support from winemakers Eric and Debra Walberg of Salinas, California
With support from a AT&T National Youth Fund Grant
With support from a Gartshore Memorial Fund Grant (Carl Cherry Center for the Arts)
With support from Monterey Peninsula Volunteer Services
With support from the Pink Flamingo Theater
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