The Festival of the Aegean - 2005

Opera Aegean, formed in 2000 as a training program and opera company, has presented nearly 50 young artists, many of whom have gone on to performances with major ensembles and in the premiere venues around the world. Working with legendary performers and trainers such as Sherrill Milnes, Martina Arroyo, Nicholas DiVirgilio and Carol Castel, artists are given the unique opportunity to combine intensive training with professional

The 2005 Opera Aegean offers the first complete opera in the company's history (past performances have been extended scenes). Il barbiere di Sivigliawill feature artists with international careers in the historic Apollo Municipal Theater. Known as "La Piccola Scala," the Apollo Theater was modeled after Milan's famed La Scala and is well known as a tourist destination and to residents of Syros Island alike for its opera and theatrical presentations.

Says Peter Tiboris, MidAmerica Productions' Artistic Director and General Director, "This season, Opera Aegean is forging new ground with the complete presentation of Rossini's Il barbiere di Siviglia featuring these outstanding young singers and directed by the remarkably talented Mr. Romagnoli. This is the both the realization of a dream for me, and the beginning of a new era for Opera Aegean. Syros is, for me, the 'Salzberg of the Aegean' and I look forward to Opera Aegean's future growth on this beautiful island."