By Hazel Scott/ASU
Three Alabama State University music majors will head across the Atlantic Ocean in July to train in operatic music at the Narnia Vocal Arts Festival in Italy.
Soprano Alexis Anderson, baritone Maalik Camp, and Soprano Jazzmin Pride, all juniors, are the first HBCU students to be a part of the Festival’s intense two-week Emerging Artist Program, where they will study with internationally renowned Italian and American teachers, coaches and conductors; sing in master classes; attend lectures; and perform with orchestras in concerts and recitals.
The singers will be accompanied by their famed mentor, Dr. Cordelia Anderson, an ASU alumna and assistant professor of vocal studies in the University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts.
“This is such a wonderful opportunity for them,” said Anderson, who made her international debut at the Festival in 2021 and will once again perform in two operas while there. “A lot of our students come from areas that are underserved and they don’t get a chance to see much of anything of the world outside of Alabama. …To have a chance to learn more about what they are learning at ASU in another country is an amazing opportunity. This opportunity is a chance to open their eyes to new horizons, to the things that they have available to them once they graduate.” Anderson added that the students will learn how to seek auditions and connect with different programs so that they can build their careers.
In order for the students to take full advantage of this opportunity, Anderson said the students are in need of financial help for travel, lodging, and other expenses prior to their July 2 Italy departure.
“They are working tirelessly to get donations. We are so thankful to the donors who have already given, who found it in their hearts to give so our students can have this opportunity.”
If you would like to donate to help these students in their experience, visit https://www.alasu.edu/giving.
“Every bit counts,” Anderson added.--