Cheryl has the heart, the intelligence and most importantly, the passion and dedication to make contributions to the world of music and education. The racial diversity in the chorus reminds me of Daniel Barenboim's West-Eastern Divan orchestra - where people from different background come together and make music. The artistic quality of the past AIDA was superb. I was so fortunate to be able to work with this group. Please consider supporting Cheryl and MORE Opera!! Thank you
I attended MORE Opera's 2014's production of "Tosca" in mid-October and was completely spellbound. I am a casual fan of opera, I've gone to summer showings for the public at Lincoln Center and enjoyed them, but I was really unprepared for how the intimate setting would magnify the performances - the singers were clear and true, and as the audience is not far removed from the stage, there was an electricity and engagement that I've never felt before. From a performance standpoint alone, MORE Opera does an incredible job.
However, knowing that many of the chorus members were complete newbies to opera, and especially to participating in a production, it really shows the tremendous amount of work and training that the program can achieve. I teared up myself because, not only is it a great show in itself, but the audience also gets to witness people from disparate walks of life who have willingly expanded their horizons through this the arts. Altogether, it was a thrilling and touching experience for me. Especially in consideration of the many budget cuts to music education programs that provide children and teens with a broader understanding of the possibilities in this world, I believe that MORE Opera is definitely providing a necessary service in NYC. I will definitely support any and all of their future endeavors.
Review from Guidestar
There are not enough stars here to rate this opera. Cheryl Warfield's beautiful voice and performance as the tragic Tosca brought me to tears. Richard Hobson's rich baritone and presence as the loathsome Scarpia.......OFF THE CHAIN!!!!!!!! Please give us MORE.
I had the pleasure of seeing the MORE Opera's production of Tosca. The rawness and minimalism of the performance really made it something special, wherein the focus was not on stage design, and large sets, but instead into the exceptionally executed and emotionally driven performances. Cheryl Warfield served up some world-class vocals as Tosca, as did the entire cast.
Opera should not be something that is exclusive to the elite, and what I really loved about this show was how it felt accessible to a more diverse audience. I hope that they continue to keep producing shows regularly in the same manner and grow their reach to further include youth, and people from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds.
I highly encourage people to ATTEND, DONATE, and VOLUNTEER!
I recently had the opportunity to attend MORE Opera's Tosca and was blown away by the on-stage talent I witnessed. I have not attend a lot of opera shows and never attended an opera concert but was amazing by the raw talent, passion and obvious dedication the cast, chorus and director had put into this performance. I truly hope to see MORE Opera soon!
It is a Pleasure and Honor for me to write A REVIEW of Cheryl Warfield and MORE Opera, NYC. This is a RARE, Small Opera Company. In fact, it is a GEM! It all starts with who is at the Top which is Cheryl Warfield, MORE Opera FOUNDER, General Director and Artistic Producing Director. Ms. Warfield KNOWS Business as this was her College Major and works thru exhaustion day in and day out for MORE Opera. Ms. Warfield KNOWS Opera. She Teaches Opera, Coaches Opera, Sings Opera with an Absolutely Thrilling, High, High, G-D Given Soprano Voice AND is Nice to People, Cares about People, wants to bring Opera to People- Members of the Chorus who literally come from All Walks of Life, Younger Folks, You the Audience. This was my 2nd Opportunity to work with Cheryl and MORE Opera as a 2nd Soprano Chorister. I sang "Il Trovatore, November 2011 and "Aida," August 2013. 2011-2013, MORE was NOT ABLE TO PRODUCE as ALL MONEY was coming from Cheryl's Pocket. I RAN back with the Announcement of MORE Opera "Aida" Rehearsals. Why is MORE Opera Chorus a RARITY? Every MORE Chorister will tell you the same as to what I tell you here. Cheryl CARES about The Chorus vs. my experiences with other Small Opera Company Choruses. Ms. Warfield had a METROPOLITAN OPERA Colleague of hers as Our Chorus Master and had him give a Master Class at our 1st "Aida" Rehearsal. This Highly Accomplished MET Baritone, Richard Hobson AND Cheryl COACHED Our Chorus Rehearsals- ALL of Us Together; then Women Only, Men Only, known as Sectionals. With "Aida," Cheryl worked TIRELESSLY with Less Experienced Singers. I am speaking of Folks who had NEVER sung Opera before and because of her Knowledge, Gratitude, Nurturing, Patience, Encouragement, Joy, Repetition AND Supreme Professionalism, these Folks LEARNED THEIR PARTS and GLOWED with PRIDE, JOY, AMAZEMENT, ACHIEVEMENT at what they ACCOMPLISHED at the Performance. What a THRILLING LIFE EXPERIENCE it was for them! They pass this Experience on to their Families, Friends, Co-Workers. MORE Opera Makes People BETTER. World-Class Opera Singers are singing for Ms. Warfield for FREE. If you are looking for a Nonprofit to Contribute to, please be GENEROUS with MORE Opera for More People, it's Motto. Thank You for Your Time! Sarah Polen, MORE Opera Chorus Manager
The MORE Opera production of Aida was a Fantastic experience, I worked with a group of wonderful people. Everyone should have this experience and opportunity. I was very lucky to be chosen to work with the MORE opera.
After singing in the chorus of several opera companies. MORE Opera gave me the exciting opportunity to cover the role of Ines in Il Trovatore and to perform the aria of The Sandman Sleep Fairy from Hansel and Gretel in a holiday concert. This experience gave me the confidence to grow as a singer. I learned so much performing with such amazing solo artists and working with such fantastic conductors.
