David Bender is the Founder, Artistic Director and head of Career Bridges along with wife Barbara Meister, who is the co-founder of this illustrious organization. Together they help young opera singers launch their careers and realize their dreams along with a prestigious panel of experts that help select Grant Winners. The organization provides 3 years of grants in voice coaching, diction, language, repertory and stage deportment, career guidance, performance opportunities and assistance in career promotion.
“Career Bridges” is committed to providing the unique level of tangible and practical support that will enable our young singers the opportunity to fulfill their potential and achieve the greatness that will enhance all our lives.” Everyone’s story begins with “once upon a time”, Career Bridges ensures that these young artists live “happily ever after.” Nothing can dim the light that sparkles within and David and Barbara Bender sparkle…..
In a conversation with David Bender we spoke about this year’s Black Tie Gala Event on May 7, 2024 at the historic Metropolitan Club where young singers will be awarded their grants and illustrious Broadway and Opera celebrities, socialites, and prominent people in the entertainment industry will attend. It will be an unforgettable, alluring, and dazzling evening of music and entertainment.
Why did you start Career Bridges?
Barbara and I recognized the great need to provide a bridge of financial support and mentoring for young talented singers between studying at conservatory and realizing a fruitful career. We launched Career Bridges, 20 years ago, to help gifted young operatic singers complete their formal training to be fully prepared for a career. The grants we provide to these young artists allow for continued training in many areas and provideperformance opportunities. All of this combined with guidance allows them to pursue their careers and achieve their potential greatness.
We work with a Panel of Experts that not only help us to select the grant winners but also coach the students in a one on one session. Our grants support coaching in voice, diction, language, repertory, and stage deportment. Further grants include career guidance, performance opportunities, and assistance in career promotion.
We continue to provide mentoring, evaluating and further grants for a period of three years.
What is your background? What made you interested in this in the first place?
From the moment I could stand up and talk I started singing. I sang in high school and thought I would pursue a career as a conductor. In my professional journey I saw many talented artists being misguided in their development . I myself went through this early as a student where I was told I was to sing as a baritone not a tenor – of course this was totally incorrect. Unfortunately, I also spent time and money trying to find the right teachers to support my development. In addition, I saw many talented artists leave their passion behind because of the lack of resources to support their development.
My wife and I founded Career Bridges to help students continue to develop their talent and careers.
So, David have you ever been on stage?
I have performed as the leading tenor in major opera houses throughout the world over the last 40 years. I also performed in musical theater in the Sound of Music, South Pacific, and Oklahoma.
Have you had your ultimate stage fantasy yet?
Yes, I performed on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera. It was a wonderful experience and moment I will always cherish.
Does Barbara sing as well?
My wife is an accomplished Broadway and operetta soprano. She was discovered by Richard Rodgers and performed Maria in the Sound of Music all around the country including on Broadway. A fun fact about Barbara is that she also sang in a private setting for the Queen of England!
Have you ever sung together?
Yes, and that was a funny thing. Somebody organized a concert with an Orchestra and a Broadway star named John Raitt, whose daughter is Bonnie Raitt. He organized this night of music and asked “do you know a Soprano?” And I said my wife is a Soprano. We had just been married. Our performance was a huge success and we knew from that moment forward we were meant to sing together and went on to perform all over the country, in Europe and Japan.
Who is Jason Kwintner?
Jason Kwintner for the past 20 years has been a great supporter of Career Bridges. He has provided support in countless ways including planning our events at the Essex house and Metropolitan club.
So you’re giving a Lifetime Achievement Award to Composer Randy Edelman?
Randy Edelman is one of the most accomplished and renowned musicians and composers of our times with over 100 film and television soundtracks, a Golden Globe nomination (Last of the Mohicans), and a multitude of other awards. He is also recognized for writing some of the most popular songs covered by sone of the most popular artists (Barry Manilow, Dionne Warwick, Patty Labelle, etc.). He has toured the world as a musician and orchestra conductor, and has written themes for ESPN, NASA, and the Olympics. Randy plays and composes from the heart and is most deserving of this prestigious honor.
Get tickets for the Career Bridges 20th Anniversary Gala on May 7th at the Metropolitan Club here:
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