MIDDLBEURY — Opera Company of Middlebury (OCM) has assembled an extraordinary cast of professionals for their June production of Puccini’s rarely performed gem, “Il Trittico.” Fourteen singers have joined this year’s company. On May 21, OCM offers an up-close, personal preview of the singers in a Meet the Singers concert and reception at the Unitarian Universalist Society in Middlebury this Sunday at 5 p.m.
“This is without a doubt my favorite performance in the entire year,” OCM Artistic Director, Doug Anderson said, “with one amazing aria after another, performed by superbly talented singer-actors. And that room has incredible acoustics. I beam through the whole thing.”
Among the accomplished performers, each singing their own favorite aria, will be: Eleni Calenos, last seen here as Liù in OCM’s “Turnadot.” Calenos recently scored a major success in the LOFT Opera production of “Tosca.” The New York Times wrote: “From the moment she sauntered into the church in a hat and sunglasses, the soprano Eleni Calenos proved compelling as the jealous heroine, her soaring voice heard to vivid effect in ‘Vissi d’arte.’”
West Coast mezzo Margaret Gawrysiak, who will be playing three roles in “Il Trittico,”has been praised by Opera News for “her powerful voice” and presence.  Returning favorites include Joshua Jeremiah, last year’s “Macbeth;” Bevin Hill, who has played numerous roles with the company including last year’s “Papagena;” Matt Morgan, who starred in OCM’s “Pearl Fishers” and “La Rondine;” and Vermonter Suzanne Kantorski, joining the company for her fourth leading role.
The Champlain Valley Unitarian Universalist Society is located at 2 Duane Court in Middlebury.  Tickets are $35 and include appetizers and performance.  A cash bar will be available.  For tickets and more info call (802) 382-9222, stop by the Town Hall Theater Box Office or visit townhalltheater.org.