Update: We received the following e‑mail from Griffin Hospital this morning (note the time change):
Award-winning tenor Roberto Iarrussi, who will be providing the entertainment at Griffin’s “Gala of the Century” next Saturday at Southern Connecticut State University, will be taping a preview performance today at 2 p.m. at the Sterling Opera House on Elizabeth Street in Derby.
The following story was posted at 9 a.m. Wednesday:
This afternoon the Sterling Opera House on Elizabeth Street will have something it hasn’t had in years — an actual opera singer.
Rich DiCarlo, president of the Valley Arts Council, says tenor Roberto Iarussi, a Connecticut native, will be singing in the opera house today (Wednesday) at 1:30 p.m.
The short performance (closed to the public because the building need to be renovated) will be taped, apparently as part of Griffin Hospital’s year-long centennial celebration.
“This is probably the first time a live opera singer has graced the Opera House’s magnificent stage since Enrico Caruso himself was here earlier in the century,” DiCarlo wrote in an e‑mail.
Visit the Electronic Valley for more information on the rich history of the Sterling Opera House.
Click here to read about the building’s restored cupola.
DiCarlo said Iarussi’s performance will be brief, but is excited nonetheless.
DiCarlo hopes to market the Sterling Opera House for the city by taping private performances inside the building, then putting the videos in YouTube.
“The acoustics in there are perfect. It is amazing,” DiCarlo said.
