“Its purpose is to help young singers further their careers,” McLachlan said.
Twice a year, the organization showcases young singers who are preparing for an opera career, said Mona Lands, music director for the Opera Buffs.
“You need to be presented in front of the public as often as possible so you get used to singing in front of a lot of people,” Lands said. “It proves to you whether you are really comfortable on stage.”
One of the organization’s subscribers is Audrey Hanson, of Burbank.
Although she wasn’t able to attend McLachlan’s audition, she said she is looking forward to hearing him at the concert.
“I’m glad he’s in there and made a great impression,” she said. “I wasn’t there, but I hear people say they are enthused.”
Hanson supports their goals, she said.
“The Opera Buffs provide grants to help singers with the expenses in traveling to auditions and being appropriately attired so they can be the best they can be for an audition.”
Hanson is on the committee for the Metropolitan Opera Western Region Audition and is director emeritus of the board of directors of the Los Angeles Opera League, which supports the Los Angeles Opera.
Internationally known opera singer Michelle De Young once sang for the Opera Buffs, Lands said. She performs regularly with the Metropolitan Opera Company in New York.
It takes 10 years to make an opera career, Lands said.
“Liam is just in square one — he’s just beginning,” she said.
Coming out of college, McLachlan said his voice wasn’t at the maturity level needed for an operatic career.
