Local opera singer holding benefit recital

HARLINGEN – A young opera star from Harlingen High School South needs your help moving to the Big Apple.

Benjamin Ruiz, a 2015 graduate of Harlingen South, will soon begin classes at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City.

But, the move is expensive so he’s giving a recital to raise about $3,000.

“It’s a big spend so a little bit of funds will alleviate the pressure for some of that,” said Ruiz, who will present a number of operatic pieces during the fundraiser.

“I’ll be performing a lot of German art songs,” he said. “I’ll be doing some Richard Strauss. I’ll be doing some French music by Claude Debussy. There are some English. You’ll be hearing some Italian and even some Swedish.”

The event will be held July 24 at 3 p.m. at Treasure Hill Presbyterian Church, 2120 N. Ed Carey Dr.

Attendees will pay $10 at the door and then be afforded numerous opportunities to make more donations inside the doors and after the event. He’s also looking for sponsors.

Ever since Benjamin graduated in 2019 from Texas State University in San Marcos with a bachelor’s in music and vocal performance, he’s been applying for a master’s program.

He applied to MSM as well as The Juilliard School, both in NYC. He also applied for Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

His purpose for applying to such prestigious institutions? To perform at the Metropolitan Opera House some day.

“That’s the dream of a lifetime since I was 10 years old, probably younger,” he said.

WHAT: Opera benefit recital

WHEN: Saturday, July 24 at 3 p.m.

WHERE: Treasure Hill Presbyterian Church, 2120 N. Ed Carey Dr.

COST: $10 at the door, with other sponsorship opportunities available

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