Former Gibbs student attends Bulgarian Opera Academy

Maiya Stevenson

BY EMMA COOPER CAVIN, Contributor

ST. PETERSBURG — Maiya Stevenson, a graduate of the Pinellas County Center for the Arts at Gibbs High School, continues to use her voice to enrich lives and make her family proud.  Since her graduation, she has performed at numerous community activities locally and around the state of Florida, even at the 2016 graduation ceremonies at Florida A&M University.

Numerous trophies and other awards extol her innate abilities and the depth of passion for her craft. She is especially proud of the opportunity she was given to perform at Carnegie Hall last December where she sang one of the two solos on the evening’s program.

Presently a student at FAMU, Stevenson is scheduled to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music in this spring.  Following graduation, she has the opportunity to attend the Varna International Opera Academy in Varna, Bulgaria, which is located in southeastern Europe bordering Romania, Serbia, the Republic of Macedonia, Greece, Turkey and the Black Sea.

Admitted to participate as a soloist, she will perform in the role of Donna Anna in the fully staged production of the opera “Don Giovanni.”  In addition, Stevenson will participate in the French Opera Orchestra Gala performances.

Although she is an exceptionally talented singer and scholar, Stevenson will need the help of her family, friends and community to raise funds to cover the expenses of this trip and her time at the academy.  She is willing to work at the craft she knows best—singing.

On April 8, Stevenson will be in concert at McCabe United Methodist Church, 2800 26th Ave. S. The concert begins at 5 p.m. and doors will open at 4:30.   Affordably priced, the $10 tickets can be purchased in advance by calling (727) 320-3861, stopping by B E T Business Solutions, Inc., at 1719 40th St. S or at the church on the day of the concert.

This talented singer and diligent student deserve community support. Plan to be there for an enriching experience.