Denver Lyric Opera Guild’s mission is to encourage and support young singers and provide continuing education for DLOG members in the appreciation and knowledge of opera.
Saturday, September 27th – Thank you Cynthia Lawrence and Guests for an Incredible Concert!
After Cynthia Lawrence was inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame this summer at opening night of Central City Opera Festival, a conversation between President Karen Bruggenthies and Cynthia took place exploring the possibility of Cynthia’s doing a concert and Master Class for DLOG. After further discussions, President Scott Finlay of Central City was involved in the conversations resulting in a zoom call between Karen, Scott and Dennis Jackson. The conclusion that a join venture between Central City Opera and Denver Lyric Opera Guild was the way to proceed.
Jeremy Reger, Cynthia Lawrence, Anna Montgomery McMahan-2021 DLOG Winner, Claire McCahan-2020 DLOG Winner, Miguel Angel Ortega Banales-2024 DLOG Winner, Bret Thom-Central City Touring Artist
Cynthia suggested we include former winners of the Competition to be included in the Concert. Former competition participants would be invited to participate in the Master Class. Karen would work with Cynthia on the concert and Dennis would proceed with the MasterClass. Scott helped by providing the excellent facility, Applewood United Methodist Church in Golden and some publicity to the Central City audience. Included in the concert with Cynthia were former Competition winners: Miguel Angel Ortega Banales, tenor, Claire McMahon, Mezzo, Anna McMahon Soprano, and Bret Thom, from Central City Opera Young artists Program.
Those in attendance on Friday evening September 27 were thrilled by the voices featured along with Cynthia accompanied by Jeremy Reger, Associate Professor at CU, Boulder. It was an outstanding concert highlighting the support DLOG has provided for so many years to the advancement of the art of singing in Colorado. Opera companies young artist programs and university opera programs as well as individuals have all benefited from financial support from Denver Lyric Opera Guild.
Thank you Cynthia for your contribution! A great thank you to Jeremy whose artistry at the keyboard is incredible. Thank you President Karen and Scott Finlay for making this possible at Applewood United Methodist Church in Golden, which is a wonderful facility for singing and listening.
BRAVI TUTTI
Congratulations to the 2024 Competition for Colorado Singers First Place Galen and Ada Belle Spencer Foundation Award!
Miguel Angel Ortega Bañales, Tenor
The Mexican tenor and pianist, Miguel Ángel Ortega Bañales, discovered a strong passion for music in the choral and vocal acapella setting at the age of 20. Miguel A. Ortega is a graduate student at the University of Colorado Boulder studying with Matthew Chellis, where he has received a Teaching Assistantship appointment to earn a master’s degree in vocal performance and pedagogy as well as choral conducting. Ortega obtained his bachelor’s degree in music performance from Berea College, during which he held a position as vocal TA and served as a piano collaborator for the music department. Since August 2020, he has served as Assistant Conductor at Eklund Opera, University of Colorado Boulder. Recent appearances include productions with Boulder Bach Festival and Central City Opera Touring Artists.
To see the full list of Competition winners, please Check out the 2024 Competition Home Page for details.
Also, you can watch the entire Competition as it happened on the DLOG YouTube site: Click Here to Watch the 2024 Competition Final Video
2020 Competition Winner Claire McCahan shares her thoughts about opera and DLOG:
DLOG Thanks Classic Pianos
Classic Pianos of Denver is the primary supplier of professional-grade pianos for many DLOG events including Opera on Tuesdays and the Competition for Colorado Singers. We offer them our heartfelt thanks!
The Guild is:
A non-profit membership organization which provides:
- Financial support for young Colorado singers through Grants to college opera programs and opera companies and to winners of our Annual Competition
- Opportunities for members and guests to experience the joy of opera through Opera on Tuesdays, our annual Competition for Singers and Opera Tours.
Events
May 14th, Opera on Tuesday 2024 and DLOG ANNUAL MEETING
Annual Meeting starts at 10 am followed by performance by Opera Theatre of the Rockes.
Register Here by May 8th
10:00 am, Columbine Country Club, 17 Fairway Lane, Littleton, CO 80123
Contribute to our mission while engaging in exciting events! A great way to meet opera lovers and support budding singers of tomorrow.
“One of the first competitions I participated in was Denver Lyric Opera Guild. Through the encouragement and feedback of the visiting judges and financial support of the Guild, I had the means to continue to pursue my “opera addiction.” As young artists, we encounter so many hardships, disappointments and setbacks. But because of DLOG, when these blows came down, I still had the means and encouragement to push through.”