The Opera Foundation, Inc.

THE AMERICAN-BERLIN SCHOLARSHIPS

and

THE AMERICAN-TURIN SCHOLARSHIP

We are pleased to announce the winners of our 23rd Annual Scholarship Competition, giving young American singers the opportunity to study and perform in some of Europe’s most prestigious opera houses.

2008-09 American-Berlin Scholarship #1 at Deutsche Oper Berlin:
Soprano, Erica Miller, was awarded the Curt Engelhorn Scholarship. The scholarship has been generously supported by the family of the prominent German industrialist since 1996.

2008-09 American-Berlin Scholarship #2 at Deutsche Oper Berlin:
Tenor, Gaston Rivero was awarded the Dixy Drechsler Scholarship. The scholarship was established in 1999 and named in honor of the Foundation's first Executive Director.

2008-09 American-Turin Scholarship at Teatro Regio Torino:
Baritone, Diego Matamoros, was awarded the first Amber Capital Scholarship, launching the Opera Foundation’s activities in Italy. The scholarship was established in 2008 with the generous support of the New York based investment management firm, Amber Capital LLC.



	THE AMERICAN-BERLIN SCHOLARSHIPS and THE AMERICAN-TURIN SCHOLARSHIP We are pleased to announce the winners of our 23rd Annual Scholarship Competition, giving young American singers the opportunity to study and perform in some of Europe’s most prestigious opera houses. 2008-09 American-Berlin Scholarship #1 at Deutsche Oper Berlin: Soprano, Erica Miller, was awarded the Curt Engelhorn Scholarship. The scholarship has been generously supported by the family of the prominent German industrialist since 1996. 2008-09 American-Berlin Scholarship #2 at Deutsche Oper Berlin: Tenor, Gaston Rivero was awarded the Dixy Drechsler Scholarship. The scholarship was established in 1999 and named in honor of the Foundation's first Executive Director. 2008-09 American-Turin Scholarship at Teatro Regio Torino: Baritone, Diego Matamoros, was awarded the first Amber Capital Scholarship, launching the Opera Foundation’s activities in Italy. The scholarship was established in 2008 with the generous support of the New York based investment management firm, Amber Capital LLC. The scholarship recipients will travel to Berlin and/or Turin to start his or her training with the Deutsche Oper Berlin or Teatro Regio Torino. The term of residence is typically 10 months from September through June, but can vary according to the respective schedules of the individual opera company. Each winner receives a full time contract with the opera house for the duration of their scholarship. Each scholarship includes a stipend in the amount of approximately US$16,000 and a round-trip flight to Berlin or Turin. During the year, the students receive advanced training and are offered roles in actual productions for which they receive additional compensation. The Opera Foundation facilitates housing and recipients are encouraged to participate in language courses at in both Turin and Berlin. The scholarship competition is currently only open to American citizens or permanent residents between the age of 18 and 30 who are beginning their professional singing careers. Past Scholarship Recipients Kelly Anderson Marcia Bellamy Julia Benzinger 2007/08 Camille Capasso Catherine Cangiano 1997/98 Marie Caruso Jennifer Casey Cabot Laure de Marcellus 2000/01 Abbie Furmansky Jorge Gomez Brian Jauhiainen Robin Johannsen 2002/03 Cheri Rose Katz 2004/05 Bavat Marom Raemond Martin Diego Matamoros 2008/09 Nathan De'Shon Myers 2007/08 Erica Miller 2008/09 Jessica Miller 2003/04 Warren Mok Heidi Person Nicole Piccolomini 2006/07 Jeffrey Ray 1997/98 Gaston Rivero 2008/09 Anne-Marie Seager Raquela Sheeran 2001/02 Melissa Shippen 2005/06 Steven Paul Spears 1999/2000 Mark Tevis 1998/99 Rachel Olivia Tucker 2000/01 Gabrielyn Watson Stephanie Weiss Todd Wilander Aimee Willis Harold Jay Wilson