Seagle Colony’s 104th season kicked off Saturday night showcasing the extraordinary class of 32 emerging artists at their “Old Friends and New Concert.”

The show spanned the gamut of opera standards and Broadway hits, with the finale featuring a guest appearance by Darren Wood, SMC’s Artistic Director and former General Director of Fort Worth Opera, as he led the company with a performance of “Old Friends” from Merrily We Roll Along, by Sondheim.

And a big shout to the four pianists: John Cockerill, Eric Frei, Jonathan Heaney and Ciyuan Zhu.

Darren was like a proud parent when he talked about this year’s artists, the upcoming shows and the success of the first “audition classes.”

These are mock auditions where the artists perform different arias, in costume, before a panel of industry experts, and receive immediate feedback on their performances: from vocal techniques, stage presence and attire.

“The first few auditions have been exhilarating. Today we watched Ashlee Lamar and her performance from Madam Butterfly was simply amazing”.

A champagne reception followed with the young artists mingling with guests, sharing their various journeys to Charley Hill Road, first impressions of Schroon and their excitement about the shows they are in.

Rehearsals have begun for Evita which is almost sold out and (click here for tickets) and this week “sing-throughs” for the remaining season begin.