Metropolitan opera singer offers tips to students at Amherst High School

Musically gifted Amherst High School students recently had the opportunity to train with a professional opera singer.

Senior Ian Murray and junior Alexandra Gilewicz attended a Buffalo Chamber Music Society recital given by Metropolitan Opera young artist, soprano Jennifer Check, at the Mary Seton Room of Kleinhans Music Hall.

Prior to flying back to New York, Check paid a visit to the high school where she conducted a master class with Murray and Gilewicz, as well as sophomore Samantha Sugarman.

In a formal recital setting, the three students each sang a classical voice solo of their choice for approximately 100 members of the vocal music department and their director, Justin Pomietlarz.

Check then offered her thoughts and suggestions for improvement and had each of the students experiment with their breathing, posture, and general musicianship.

Though the students suggested that singing for one's peers can be a great deal of pressure, Pomietlarz said he felt that his students elevated themselves to a new level of musical artistry, poise and sophistication.

After having the opportunity to work with Check, the students said they were most excited to find out that the Buffalo community will be able to see the artist on the IMAX big screen on April 28, when the Metropolitan Opera broadcasts its sixth production in the series, "Metropolitan Opera Goes to the Movies" live from New York at participating high-definition IMAX theatres nationwide.

On the bill will be Giacomo Puccini's "II Trittico (the Triptych)," which includes the three one-act operas, "Il tabarro, Suor Angelica, and Gianni Schicchi."