VIDEO: Voice Of Brooklyn Echoes Through Fort Greene

Fort Greene Park was alive with the sound of music this week.

Local residents rang in summer on Tuesday at the third annual 'Voice of Brooklyn,' featuring contemporary opera and song in an event co-sponsored by American Opera Projects and the Walt Whitman Project.

"Our mission is to bring opera to new audience ... one way we're doing this is by brining it to them here in the park," said Matthew Gray, producing director of American Opera Project.

Part of the 2011 Make Music NY Festival, Tuesday's concert featured new music by composers Matt Frey, the South Oxford Six, Rebecca Pellett, Caitlin Smith, Rachel Peters, and Nkeiru Okoye.

Among the special performances was 'Brooklyn Cinderella,' a catalog of operatic songs adapted by Nkeiru Okoye from the poetry of Najaya Royale, Tristan Regist, and Aliah Gilkes — three local children involved with the Walt Whitman Project.

Additional performances included a special duet by soprano Heather Michele Meyer and baritone Matthew Yohn.

"Today's just all about having fun, which is really what singing and music is all about," Yohn said.

Tuesday's event was also a chance for the local opera community to introduce themselves to the neighborhood.

"We want people to realize that there's something very special here in Fort Greene — the American Opera Project," said Charles Jarden, the group’s general director.

And for some local residents Tuesday's concert did just that.

"It's a real treat getting to experience opera so close to home," said Alexander Jones of Fort Greene.

But for the performers the pleasure was all theirs.

"We had a really good time today," said Matt Frey, a composer who delighted at the chance to share his music with the people of Brooklyn. "Can't wait to do this again soon," he added.

For information on some upcoming events hosted by the American Opera Project visit them online at http://www.operaprojects.org.

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