The New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera presented Rita Tonitto of Fort Lee with the organization's highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award, at its production of La Gioconda at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, New Jersey. Tonitto was recognized for 25 years of service and contributions to the organization and opera.

During that time, she assumed several positions in the organization. "Rita Tonitto has been an integral part of Verismo Opera's humble beginnings singing in the Verismo Opera Chorus first and later using her skills helping the nonprofit company as a patron and assuming a range of responsibilities, such as organizing and managing the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera's Annual International Vocal Competition, recruiting volunteers, updating the mailing list, writing thank you notes to donors, working on grant proposals, and many other contributions," said Giovanni Simone, Chief Financial Officer, New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera.

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Source: http://www.newjerseystage.com/