Power of Destiny

Photo credit: Jovana Obradovic

“POWER OFDESTINY”

SERBIAN STAR SOPRANO MARIJA JELIC

SHOWCASED AT CARNEGIE HALL

By Ann Grenier

Serbian rising star soprano Marija Jelic made her American premiere at the legendary Carnegie Hall, presented by New York Artist Management. Her grand debut in the states highlighted an enchanting evening of music alongside American pianist Anthony Manoli. “Power of Destiny” showcased Rachmaninoff’s Russian songs, opera arias written by master composers Verdi and Puccini including repertoire from Turandot, Madame Butterfly, Forza del destino, and Otello.

The audience was enamored by Marija’s performance, giving her and Anthony immense ovations between each number. Notable attendees included Serbian consuls Olgica Vlacic and Tamara Vujovic, as well as philanthropist Jean Shafiroff.

Marija has performed with Jonathan Tetelman, and this season has sung alongside Elīna Garanča, Placido Domingo and Jose Cura. Her impressive and emotive sound will be highlighted with her renowned acting abilities as she takes the stage. Classical takes of each song will impress all ages in the audience with relatable movements and stunning renditions by the soprano. A beautiful tapestry of music throughout the night will be created by the artist who has a unique background and history. Marija was born in Belgrade, Republic of Serbia. Later in life she completed a Faculty of Electrical engineering at University of Belgrade and learned singing as she finished master studies in opera.

In 2017 Marija passed an audition for an opera studio in the National Theater in Belgrade and started to sing small and main roles in opera productions. Marija was performing in the opening of Ohrid summer festival 2020, Beethoven 9th symphony in Plovdiv summer festival, Micaela in Carmen concert version with Elina Garanca in Ljubljana summer festival 2021, concert with Jerusalem symphony orchestra and production of La Boheme with role of Mimi in Israel and Estonia in 2021.

Later in main halls and concerts in Serbia her talents were witnessed with biggest orchestras in Serbia “Stanislav Binicki” at Kolarac Hall, Radio television orchestra, orchestra of Serbian National theater and she performed in Belgrade summer festival.

Following this stage of her career were performances in the opera gala concert at the German summer festival in Wernigerode. From there she went on to sing a Parisian requiem in Moscow International Music Center. She was singing ten concerts with St. Petersburg Symphony Orchestra and Maestro Darrel Ang (Mariinsky Theater) in National Library in Beijing, Dongying Grand theater, and Liniy Snow Lotus Theater.

Marija debuted with the role of Mimi at the Serbian National Theater in Novi Sad. She performed Micaela at Croatian National Theater in Osijek. She was also singing in Moscow with Bryansk Governor Orchestra and St. Petersburg State Symphony Orchestra in St. Petersburg. She was also singing in the city of Bryansk (Russia) with the Bryansk governor orchestra.

Photo credit Patrick McMullan, and Rob Rich Society Allure

VIENNESE OPERA BALL’S “THE GOLDEN AGE” SWING DINNER DANCE GALA

By Salome Langvin

The Viennese Opera Ball hosted their Swing Dinner Dance Gala, “The Golden Age” at a private club in Manhattan. Due to the events of the past year, the gala was scaled down from previous years with limited capacity but was a great return of the extravagant affair. The Viennese Opera Ball is a nonprofit association under Section 501(c)(3) and celebrated under the auspices of the US Austrian Chamber of Commerce. The Gala Chairs for the evening was philanthropist Jean Shafiroff, and Denise Rich. Each year, it supports charitable projects that are connected to communities in New York or Vienna. The proceeds of the Swing Dinner Dance benefited the Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research.

The Gala took place with the support of City of Vienna and the Honorary Gala Chair, Governor & Mayor of Vienna The Honorable Michael Ludwig, Consul General of Austria in New York The Honorable Helene Steinhaeusl, and the Director of the Austrian Cultural Forum New York Michael Haider.

Notable attendees included: President of the Viennese Opera Ball Silvia Frieser, event chair and philanthropist Jean Shafiroff, Consul General of Austria in New York The Honorable Helene Steinhaeusl, Director of the Austrian Cultural Forum New York Michael Haider, Hubert Heiss, Yoko Nakamura-Haider, Martin Shafiroff, Malan Breton, Scott Stone, Ana Stone, Eve Brookville, Sabine Riglos, Victoria Whipple, Paula Mahoney, Nelli Hantman, Imke Gerdes, Barbara Wennerholm, David Hochberg, Pamela O’Connor, Sonia Nassery Cole, Michele Herbert, Emily Mohr, Cole Rumbough, Sessa Von Richthofen, Richard Johnson. Trio, with Misha Piatigorsky on piano, Benny Benack III singing and playing trumpet, Sergei Avanesov on Saxophone, and Singer Kennedy.

There was a silent auction during gala with proceeds also benefiting Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research.

About Viennese Opera Ball

The Viennese Opera Ball, an annual white-tie charity gala celebrates the cultural and economic relationships between Austria and America, connecting two continents, two cities and two centuries in one glamorous night. It was founded by Austrians immigrating to the United States 66 years ago and is a tribute to both their former hometown Vienna and their host city, New York.

Considered the most prestigious and oldest Viennese ball outside of Vienna, the gala draws an international audience that includes diplomats and dignitaries, international corporations, and professionals. Performances by Metropolitan opera singers, the Viennese Opera Ball orchestra, ballet performances, the West Point color guard, midnight Quadrille and many more surprises contribute to a glamorous and delightful night.

Each year, the Viennese Opera Ball supports charitable projects connected to the communities in New York and Vienna.

For more information, please visit: vienneseoperaball.com. Facebook: @vienneseoperaball Instagram: @vienneseoperaball