Campus Connection

Alum Franco Pomponi featured at Music Gala Oct. 17 An up-and-coming baritone will return to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse for a special performance to raise money for scholarships. American baritone Franco Pomponi, a professional opera singer, will perform at “A Grand Night for Singing” as part of UWL Music Department’s Music Gala 2015 Saturday, Oct. 17. A reception with the artist begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Hall of Nations, Centennial Hall, followed by the recital at 7 p.m. in Annett Recital Hall, Center for the Arts. A donation of $50 a ticket can be reserved by Oct. 9 through the Music Department at 608.785.8415. The renowned singing actor attended UWL in the early 1980s. Pomponi completed studies at the Juilliard Opera Center in New York City. He was the first recipient of the DeRosa Prize, the Center’s top achievement award. Pomponi’s New York debut came as Escamillo in Carmen at the New York City Opera and he joined the Metropolitan Opera the following season and performed numerous roles at The Met. Since, he has played numerous lead roles in operas internationally and the U.S. Music Gala returns Pomponi will be featured for the Music Department’s return of its Music Gala, which hasn’t taken place since 2008 and then featured student ensembles. It’s not Pomponi’s first return performance. He came back in 1994 for a 20th anniversary celebration for the Center for the Arts in Toland Theatre. “He’s delighted to come back to La Crosse,” says Chris Frye, chair of the Music Department. “We’re hoping his visit will help establish this as an annual event to highlight the accomplishments of talented UWL alumni while helping support our stars of tomorrow.” While in La Crosse Pomponi will also hold a master class by invitation on Sunday, Oct. 18. During the class, Pomponi will share some of his experiences performing professionally with students from UWL, Viterbo University and area high schools. The class was scheduled following Pomponi’s request to connect with up-and-coming singers from La Crosse. His return is sponsored by the UWL College of Liberal Studies, the UWL Foundation and several generous benefactors. All proceeds from his performance will go toward scholarships. If you go— Who: UWL Alumnus Franco Pomponi What: “A Grand Night for Singing” When/where: Saturday, Oct. 17 — 5:30 p.m. reception, Hall of Nations, Centennial Hall; 7 p.m. recital, Annett Recital Hall, Center for the Arts Admission: $50, reserve by Oct. 9 through the Music Department at 608.785.8415.