Mystic Side Opera celebrates three months with a ribbon cutting, a donated piano from the Elmwood Grille owner and a $100,000 matching grant

By Tara Vocino

Mystic Side Opera’s official ribbon-cutting, organized by the Malden Chamber of Commerce, was attended by Mayor Gary Christenson, Founder/CEO Gene Sticco and resident artists and VIP guests at the Mystic Side Opera (MSO) on Monday night. At the event, an announcement was made regarding a substantial matching donation.

“It is remarkably generous for the community to be providing such a tangible commitment to elevate art and culture here in Malden and greater Boston,” Sticco said, referring to the recent private $100,000 matching funds grant. Sticco indicated that the matching fund donation was made by a prominent local businessperson who is a supporter of the arts and opera.

The donor, who requested anonymity, said, “It is my privilege to support the community and Mystic Side Opera. The idea is to create an incentive for further support. So, whether someone can donate a dollar or $100,000, their donation will be doubled through this matching grant. It’s not that often that you get to double your money.”

“The accomplishments of Mystic Side Opera in its first three months are extraordinary,” said Marcel Schwab of Creative Malden, representing an organization that supports the arts.

“In that time, MSO has not only brought in a remarkable range of talents, from opera to jazz and blues, it has also provided a space for artists to gather and community to form,” said Ose Schwab, who is an arts advocate in Malden.

“Mystic Side Opera has elevated Malden as a center of culture and art,” said Schwab. “They have opera stars from across Europe performing here. Since they opened, visitors from seven countries and nine states have enjoyed MSO’s performances. It’s really been a boost for Malden tourism.”

The Mystic Side Opera’s Sticco is equally effusive about the support of Malden’s citizens. “Our new matching grant, and the generous commitments being made will ensure our continued support and elevation of the arts and education for greater Boston,” Sticco said, in relation to MSO’s music education outreach program.

“We are receiving continuous support from the greater Malden community,” he said, “From people volunteering time, to a grand piano donation today from Felicia Heitin Lafauci, the owner of the Elmwood Grille. It’s really been encouraging to have the community share our vision to bring world class music to Malden.”

Felicia Heitin Lafauci underscored MSO’s accomplishments. “They have brought in world class talent, including local artist Maddie Lamb, Mackenzie Lee Clement, electric violinist Julia Watkins from Nashville who performed on America’s Got Talent, and several European Opera rising stars,” Lafauci said.

Malden’s Mystic Side Opera is affiliated with Teatro alla Scala in Italy, where MSO’s Art Director, Marco Borroni, is based.

Located in an historic railroad baron’s estate at 339 Pleasant St., Mystic Side Opera hosts both private and public events. “The mansion, which was built in the 1860’s in the style of the Paris Opera, is unique in that it allows Mystic Side Opera to produce intimate private and public events that elevate the emotional element of performances,” Sticco said.

In addition to performances at the Opera’s main location in Malden, the Opera Company has previously toured across the country. While based in Malden, Mystic Side Opera is bringing the Opera and a broad range of performers across genres to people’s homes for private events. “It’s a privilege to help people celebrate important life events with exceptionally talented performers,” Sticco said.

Mayor Gary Christenson performed the ribbon cutting at the historic railroad baron’s mansion at an invitation-only private event. Public events will be announced in the near future.

Potential supporters, sponsors of events, donors and volunteers are welcome to contact Mystic Side Opera at 617-992-6588.

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