For the Miami Valley Today

TROY — Assistant Director Rachael Boezi is the inspiration behind a new collaboration between the Troy-Hayner Cultural Center and the Dayton Opera Artist-in-Residence Program. At 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 12, two rising stars will perform a concert in the Hayner Ballroom. Amandalynne Perzyk and Henry Benson will share opera arias and duets, classical art song, and musical theatre selections. In honor of Valentines’ Day, this special concert will look at all aspects of love in a program infused with both humor and heart.

Dayton opera’s Artist-in Residence Program provides training for young singers and serves as a bridge to professional opera careers. Artists are selected by audition, and in addition to their training schedule, they work together to perform education and outreach programs in our community, helping to the ensure the future of this beautiful art form in our area.

Benson is a native of Wisconsin and a recent graduate of the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music (M.M. 2021). He is an awarded tenor, winning the Encouragement Award at the 2020 Wisconsin District of the Met Opera National Council and took fourth place in the American International Czech and Slovak Voice Competition.

A soprano from Rochester Hills, Michigan, Perzyk has also received an Encouragement Award from the Metropolitan Opera National Council Competition. She completed her master’s work at the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music in 2019.

Masks are requested for this concert out of respect for the staff, musicians, and guests. Those with COVID health concerns should know that Hayner is unable to police masks or vaccinations.

For more information regarding these free events and to receive a complete listing of events taking place at the Hayner Center, call 937-339-0457 or visit the website at www.TroyHayner.org for complete details.