From International Opera Singers
Barbara Dever, mezzo-soprano (Metropolitan Opera)
With great joy, I congratulate Maestro Peter Mark on his 100th production with Virginia Opera. Peter Mark gave me my first opportunity to perform the role of Azucena in Il Trovatore during the 1989-90 season at Virginia Opera. Performing with an international cast of talented singers on the brink of major careers, I recall and treasure that time as most pivotal in my musical journey. Peter’s masterful musical direction, knowledge and experience, creative direction, and inspiring spirit enabled me to take the artistry I arrived with to the next exciting level. His personal and professional encouragement were instrumental in leading me quickly to an international career. Since my debut with Virginia Opera I have sung at the Metropolitan Opera and LaScala and in major opera houses in 27 countries. Peter Mark’s continuing enthusiasm for working with and mentoring talented young singers has inspired me to share my own experiences by teaching and coaching our next generation of performers. What a ‘MARK’ he has had on my life! Bravo, and thank you, Peter!
With great joy, I congratulate Maestro Peter Mark on his 100th production with Virginia Opera. Peter Mark gave me my first opportunity to perform the role of Azucena in Il Trovatore during the 1989-90 season at Virginia Opera. Performing with an international cast of talented singers on the brink of major careers, I recall and treasure that time as most pivotal in my musical journey. Peter’s masterful musical direction, knowledge and experience, creative direction, and inspiring spirit enabled me to take the artistry I arrived with to the next exciting level. His personal and professional encouragement were instrumental in leading me quickly to an international career. Since my debut with Virginia Opera I have sung at the Metropolitan Opera and LaScala and in major opera houses in 27 countries. Peter Mark’s continuing enthusiasm for working with and mentoring talented young singers has inspired me to share my own experiences by teaching and coaching our next generation of performers. What a ‘MARK’ he has had on my life! Bravo, and thank you, Peter!
Victoria Livengood, mezzo-soprano
I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Peter Mark on his 100th production with the Virginia Opera. I will never forget that first audition for Peter in New York, shortly after I had graduated from the Conservatory and won the Met auditions.
His auditions provided such a relaxed and enthusiastic environment for a young singer, boosting my confidence so that I could give my very best audition. He then hired me on the spot to sing the role of Mercedes in Carmen.
After arriving in Norfolk and starting rehearsals, Peter heard me in the Card Trio and said, I want to add a student matinee performance and give you the opportunity to learn and perform your first Carmen. I seized that opportunity with castanets on and under his tutelage, I gave my first Carmenperformance with the Virginia Opera in 1986. That literally changed my life and career path since this infamous gypsy became my calling card signature role and I have now sung that role over 200 times, worldwide, including performances at the Metropolitan Opera, opposite tenor, Placido Domingo.
Peter Mark has the best ears in the business and has a true insight and tireless dedication to promoting young talent. Working with Peter was never a job, it was a joy and I have continued to enjoy his loyal friendship and support during the past 22 years of my career. I am honored to be a small part of this recognition of his overwhelming artistic commitment to the world of opera.
Thank you from the bottom of my throat and heart.
I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Peter Mark on his 100th production with the Virginia Opera. I will never forget that first audition for Peter in New York, shortly after I had graduated from the Conservatory and won the Met auditions.
His auditions provided such a relaxed and enthusiastic environment for a young singer, boosting my confidence so that I could give my very best audition. He then hired me on the spot to sing the role of Mercedes in Carmen.
After arriving in Norfolk and starting rehearsals, Peter heard me in the Card Trio and said, I want to add a student matinee performance and give you the opportunity to learn and perform your first Carmen. I seized that opportunity with castanets on and under his tutelage, I gave my first Carmenperformance with the Virginia Opera in 1986. That literally changed my life and career path since this infamous gypsy became my calling card signature role and I have now sung that role over 200 times, worldwide, including performances at the Metropolitan Opera, opposite tenor, Placido Domingo.
Peter Mark has the best ears in the business and has a true insight and tireless dedication to promoting young talent. Working with Peter was never a job, it was a joy and I have continued to enjoy his loyal friendship and support during the past 22 years of my career. I am honored to be a small part of this recognition of his overwhelming artistic commitment to the world of opera.
Thank you from the bottom of my throat and heart.
Nmon Ford, baritone
Everyone in the state of Virginia knows of Peter Mark's talent, vision, intelligence, commitment, and charisma. However, my first, and continuing, impression of Peter is this: if he likes you, he hires you. This may seem like an obvious characteristic for an Artistic Director to have, but Peter is one of perhaps three I've ever encountered who simply hires who he feels is the best singer for the job, regardless of external factors. He offered me my first opera contract when I was fresh out of college, based solely on his belief that I would perform well, and he has done the same for other singers – many now world-famous – who otherwise would never have had the opportunity to begin their careers in such an advantageous way. Virginia Opera is, indubitably, the company it is today because of Peter Mark.
Everyone in the state of Virginia knows of Peter Mark's talent, vision, intelligence, commitment, and charisma. However, my first, and continuing, impression of Peter is this: if he likes you, he hires you. This may seem like an obvious characteristic for an Artistic Director to have, but Peter is one of perhaps three I've ever encountered who simply hires who he feels is the best singer for the job, regardless of external factors. He offered me my first opera contract when I was fresh out of college, based solely on his belief that I would perform well, and he has done the same for other singers – many now world-famous – who otherwise would never have had the opportunity to begin their careers in such an advantageous way. Virginia Opera is, indubitably, the company it is today because of Peter Mark.
Manon Strauss Evrard, soprano
Peter has been like a father to me while in the United States. My life has been exciting since I met him, having the greatest opportunity to sing the parts he offered me. There is no comparison to any other experience I have had. Working with Virginia Opera is a wonderful experience, very professional staff, a wide environment with people who host us, being able to walk around the city and then to rehearsal. Peter is unique in his way of working with me; it’s smooth and always open to discussion. He understands me as no one else. I feel free and able to explore new sensations and techniques and lines. He’s always up for private extra sessions; who does that? Thanks to Peter for everything and I hope I’ll make him proud. Singing is not easy and he has helped, and will continue to help, me a lot.
Peter has been like a father to me while in the United States. My life has been exciting since I met him, having the greatest opportunity to sing the parts he offered me. There is no comparison to any other experience I have had. Working with Virginia Opera is a wonderful experience, very professional staff, a wide environment with people who host us, being able to walk around the city and then to rehearsal. Peter is unique in his way of working with me; it’s smooth and always open to discussion. He understands me as no one else. I feel free and able to explore new sensations and techniques and lines. He’s always up for private extra sessions; who does that? Thanks to Peter for everything and I hope I’ll make him proud. Singing is not easy and he has helped, and will continue to help, me a lot.