RED BANK, NJ — Hoping to inspire a new generation of classical music enthusiasts, Creative OPERAtions is hosting Feed the Soul on Nov. 15, a free concert with a free meal, to underserved communities in Monmouth County.
In this first community performance, the local nonprofit wants to “bridge the gap” between classical music genres and communities who don’t have enough access to the art forms, organizers say.
In partnership with Lunch Break, the concert will take place at the United Methodist Church, 247 Broad St., Red Bank, on Tuesday, Nov. 15, starting at 5:30 p.m.
Attendees will receive a meal provided by Lunch Break’s annual gala honoree EatClean Bro, as well as Tino’s Mexican Kitchen.
And it is all paired with an evening of professional performances by local artists in opera, dance, jazz, Latin, musical theater, and a special performance by the students of the Count Basie Center Academy.
People who want to go should register by Thursday, Nov. 10. Visit www.creative-operations.org to learn more and register through the QR code. Click the “Feed the Soul” at the top of the homepage. That will take you to the flyer that has the QR code. (The code is also included at the end of this article). The QR code will lead to an online form for information and to reserve spots and a meal for the event, the organizers said.
This event is made possible in part from the Monmouth Arts Renew 2022 Grant, which supports
free arts events and live performances in Monmouth County this year. Schuman Cheese is the
event’s headline sponsor. Lunch Break is the event’s main partner.
Corinne Schaefer, CEO of Creative OPERAtions and a professional opera singer, as well as the artistic director behind this event, recently returned to her roots at the Jersey Shore after wrapping up performances as Carlotta in “Phantom of the Opera,” concluding a decade-long career in Germany.
She was inspired during the pandemic to bring her passions to new audiences in hope of encouraging a new generation of classical music lovers.
“I view this as an opportunity for our local communities to unite and become stronger together. I am so excited to see this event come to life and hope we can continue to bring the arts to new communities. The local support of our partners and sponsors has been incredible,” she said.
“We are grateful to Corinne and her team for bringing our clients this wonderful opportunity to enjoy an evening out and experience opera. It is such a special treat for our community members in need. We hope this event will be the catalyst for more future performances and occasions for fellowship,” said Lunch Break Executive Director Gwendolyn Love.