Albion grad returns for opera/art song concert on Sunday
Steven Olick IV
Press release, Albion High School Alumni Foundation
ALBION – The historic First Presbyterian Church of Albion will open its doors to the community as Albion’s own Steven Olick IV comes home to perform a concert entitled “An Afternoon of Song.”
The concert is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Olick, a senior vocal major at SUNY Fredonia, will perform selections from art song and opera including music from composers Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky, Ives, Schumann and Smetana.
Partnering with the Albion High School Alumni Foundation, all proceeds from the concert will fund a study abroad to the Italian Scuola at Sant’Angelo, where Olick will participate in an once-in-a-lifetime experience studying opera in Vado, Italy.
“For Steve, this is more than just an honor,” said Gary Simboli, Olick’s high school choral director. “It will be an experience of epic proportions. Studying and performing with opera’s best, making connections for future opportunities and living abroad in this amazing location will make a lasting impact on his life.”
During this intensive month-long program, Olick will receive 45 hours of language training by teachers from the Italian Scuola, two voice lessons a week, two private coaching sessions, two acting lessons a week and two master classes. The program will culminate with Steven performing four concerts. He will study with college professors from around the U.S. as well as baritone from the Met, David Malis.
“I have always been intrigued by traveling abroad and following in the footsteps of my Uncle Steve, my namesake,” Olick said. “Now having received this opportunity not only to travel, but to experience opera in its homeland is a dream come true. I cannot begin to express the gratitude I have for the support being shown by my Alma Mater and community.”
Olick is a 2010 Albion High School graduate. While attending Albion he was heavily involved in music department programs. He was the marching band drum major and participated in jazz and concert band. He was a member of the mixed chorus and men’s select groups and participated in the theater department’s musicals.
He was the very first recipient of the Albion High School Alumni Foundation’s Performing Arts Scholarship. This $1,000 scholarship assists students who attend college for performing arts.
“The Foundation is pleased to support Steven in this important venture,” said Susan Starkweather Miller, Albion High School Alumni Foundation Vice-President. “He has a unique talent and a promising career ahead of him. It is opportunities like these that can truly make a difference for a lifetime, which is what the Foundation strives to do for Albion Alumni.”
General admission ticket prices are available for purchase at ATB Staffing Services, 534 Main St., Medina (318-4218) and Fisher’s Newsroom, 105 N. Main St., Albion (589-7283). Tickets can also be purchased at the door on June 22.
