Opera Singers Initiative is thrilled to present The Business of Opera with Ken Benson featuring a behind-the-scenes of young artist programs, working with an agent, and business aspect to getting a job in the opera field.

Time: 6 PM - 8 PM

Date: Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Place: Ripley Greer Studios

Tickets: $25 

About Ken Benson

Ken Benson joined Columbia Artists Management, Inc. in 1986 and for the past 25 years headed his own division as Vice President.

Well-known and respected for his broad knowledge of repertoire and voices, during that time he represented such artists as Harolyn Blackwell, Patrick Carfizzi, Rod Gilfry, Marcello Giordani, Thomas Hampson, Jerry Hadley, Lucas Meachem, Susanne Mentzer, Aprile Millo, and Florence Quivar, among many others.

Mr. Benson is regularly invited to give classes at Yale University, Manhattan School of Music, Indiana University, Mannes College, Hartt School of Music, as well as for many of the Young Artists Programs of major opera companies throughout the U.S. The content of the classes includes auditioning techniques (choice of repertoire, presentation, press material), management, career building, and the great tradition of operas’ past. Mr. Benson has judged vocal competitions for the Metropolitan Opera, Opera Index, Inc., Juilliard Vocal Honors Recital, The Savannah Music Festival, and others.

Since 1996, he has appeared each season on the Metropolitan Opera Radio Broadcasts, on the Opera Quiz, Record Collector’s Roundtables, panel discussions and presenting biographies of great singers. In 2010-11 he launches the New York City Opera's "Listening Room" series, with recorded material and discussion for each opera in this season's repertoire.

Mr. Benson is also a contributor to Opera News magazine.