Opera singer's 30-year career started here
Before traveling the world and performing at some of opera's biggest venues, award-winning mezzo-soprano Marianne Cornetti began her singing career here in Western Pennsylvania, performing in front of church audiences throughout the Alle-Kiski Valley and southern Butler County.
A Cabot native, Cornetti graduated from Knoch High School in 1981.
In celebration of her 30-year career, and as a way to give back to her hometown area, she is returning with a program of her favorite religious music, songs she sang in area churches three decades ago. “Then Sings My Soul” celebrates 30 years of an operatic career and a lifetime of music, featuring pianist Bryan Sable.
The event takes place at 4 p.m. Sunday at Trinity United Methodist Church, 847 Tenth Ave., Brackenridge, presented in part by Trinity United Methodist in conjunction with Grace United Methodist Church in Natrona Heights.
While this concert does not have an admission fee, financial contributions will be greatly appreciated.
Cornetti will not be accepting any of the proceeds, and intends to give them back to the community by aiding local organizations such as the Allegheny Valley Association of Churches Food Bank.
Cornetti has performed at opera houses in New York City, London, Rome, Berlin, Florence and Barcelona.
She also takes time to come back to Butler County, coaching students at Slippery Rock University and performing with the Butler County Symphony Orchestra.
She is recognized as one of the leading Verdi mezzo- sopranos in the world.
“I credit this area for a lot that's been given to me,” she said during a visit to Knoch High School in 2014.
WHAT: Marianne Cornetti performs “Then Sings My Soul,” a celebration of 30 years of an operatic career and a lifetime of musicWHEN: 4p.m. SundayWHERE: Trinity United Methodist Church, 847 Tenth Ave., BrackenridgeINFO: Proceeds will benefit the Allegheny Valley Association of Churches Food Bank, which covers Butler County churches in Sarver and the Freeport area.
