Internationally renowned opera star and Wichita State University alum Samuel Ramey, who has been a Distinguished Visiting Artist in Residence at WSU since fall 2012, will host his students in a concert of arias and opera scenes at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 15, in Miller Concert Hall.

The concert concludes Ramey's 2012-2013 residency by showcasing the aspiring singers who have had the opportunity to work with him this academic year. They'll perform a variety of operatic repertory, from Bellini to Bernstein. Ramey will join the students in singing the grand finale.

Tickets are $25 for the general public, $16 for seniors and military, and $6 for students, and are available through the College of Fine Arts Box Office at www.wichita.edu/fineartsboxoffice or (316) 978-3233.
Proceeds from the concert will augment the Samuel L. Ramey Professional Development Fund, which helps WSU students launch their careers.

Marie King

"Starting a performance career requires a significant financial investment," said Marie King, director of WSU opera, "because most important auditions are held in New York, Chicago or other major cities."

The fund assists WSU performance majors with travel expenses to attend out-of-state auditions, competitions and similar career-enhancing opportunities.