Westport Fundraiser To Support Staples High School Orphenians

News release from the Staples High School Orphenians:

WESTPORT, CT — Believe it or not, spring will be here before you know it. What better way to kick off spring than to attend Cabaret Olé, a fundraiser supporting the Staples High School Orphenians. This year’s audition-only, vocal ensemble, under the direction of Staples' new high school choral director, Lauren Pine, consists of 39 students. The Orphenians are known for their performances throughout the town of Westport and other various Fairfield County venues, serving as an integral part of the local community for 65 years. With the help of the fundraiser, the 2024-25 Orphenians, regardless of financial circumstances, can share their gift of music at an international choral festival in Spain and participate in other educational music experiences.

Lauren Pine said, “The Orphenians are honored to embark on this once-in-a-lifetime journey to Spain, where they will sing in breathtaking cathedrals and perform under the direction of the esteemed Dr. Rollo Dilworth. This opportunity not only allows our students to showcase their talents on an international stage but also immerses them in the rich cultural and musical heritage of Spain. Singing as part of a combined festival choir will be an unforgettable experience, demonstrating the unifying power of music. We are thrilled for our singers to take part in this extraordinary event.”

Cabaret Olé will be held on Sunday, March 30, 2025, 6pm-9pm, at the Christ & Holy Trinity Church in downtown Westport. Cabaret Co-chairs, Carole Chinn Mariani and Kristina Michaels, shared that members from the Grammy-nominated group, VOCES8, would open Cabaret Olé with a musical set followed by group performances by the Orphenians. VOCES8 reaches 30 million YouTube viewers and 250,000 live concert goers each year. They have been leading masterclasses for our local choirs in recent years. A portion of the Cabaret Olé proceeds will support the VOCES8 Foundation, which is hoping to build a music educational hub in the Westport area. The VOCES8 Foundation actively promotes “Music Education For All,” engaging in a broad range of in-person outreach work that reaches up to 40,000 people a year.

The Cabaret Olé reception will immediately follow the concert and include Spanish tapas, a silent auction with donations from many local businesses and additional solos by Orphenians. Mary Kate Morrissey, lead in WICKED on Broadway and Dan Micciche, Music Director and Conductor of WICKED on Broadway will perform along with the Orphenians. Mary Kate spent a decade touring through 92 cities with Wicked, Mean Girls (Janis), and Hair (Sheila), before making her Broadway Debut in Wicked in 2023 as Standby, eventually landing the full-time role in March, 2024. Dan has been with the show for over a decade - including the national and international tours. Please visit orphenians.com for more information and updates. Tickets will be on sale March 3rd at noon. VIP is $190, Preferred is $150 and General Admission is $125.

You can support the Orphenians by purchasing a ticket, making a donation or auction donation, or by purchasing an auction item online. For questions, please contact orphenianscabaretole@gmail.com

— Flyer from Staples High School Orphenians