WALLINGFORD - Some finish movies, literature or conversations inspired with new ideas, eager to test them out in the world. Then they find that what once seemed like a stellar brainchild simply won't hold up in the economy. But there are rare occasions when the stars align, and that random idea actually does become reality.

When opera singers Maksim Ivanov and Gwendolyn Hillman watched a documentary film about a successful business cooperative, an idea clicked. Given that performance artists typically live in a world of hire-for-production, why not create a place where artists can do what they love and audiences can go for consistent classical performances?

Tonight at 7:30 p.m. the newly formed New England Chamber Opera launches at the Paul Mellon Arts Center, 333 Christian St., performing "A Night at the Opera," a sampling of opera favorites.

Four singers and a pianist have developed the performance as a musical team without an artistic director, and in the wake of the recent closing of the 67-year-old Connecticut Opera. The new opera group's hope is to continue as a musicians' alliance or guild dedicated to local and traveling performances.

"Imagine what would happen when you have a group that is constantly putting out performances … people wouldn't have to stumble upon a performance here or there; you would know it's going to happen," said Ivanov, a baritone who performs with New London's Connecticut Lyric Opera and a music instructor at Choate Rosemary Hall and area colleges. "We can bring classical music back to the audiences because I know they want it."

A cooperative not only provides somewhere to appreciate classical music in a smaller, more intimate setting, but it is "exactly the kind of thing artists need," given their sporadic work lives, Ivanov said.

"There are a plethora of musicians at Choate," said the Branford resident, rattling off a list of noted musicians from guitarist to violinist. "Everybody's teaching. There's so little real performance opportunity."

Philip Ventre, founder and director of the 35-year-old Wallingford Symphony Orchestra, applauds the group's efforts, considering that the state now lacks a major opera company.

"These singers are absolutely wonderful. They deserve an audience," said Ventre, whose orchestra has performed with the Connecticut Opera.

In the state where operatic soprano legend Rosa Ponselle was born, Hillman would like to believe that it's feasible for musicians to work for musicians, put together programs and tour to promote the art form.

"I think a lot of people don't realize that Connecticut, halfway between New York and Boston, houses a lot of really fine musicians," said the soprano and vocal instructor at Choate, who directs the University of New Haven's a cappella ensemble. "I think it would be a really unique opportunity for Connecticut musicians to have something that they run."

Mezzo-soprano Korby Myrick of Cheshire, New York City Opera tenor Andrew Drost and pianist Richard Hereld will complete the lineup for tonight's performance of songs by Mozart, Verdi, Puccini and others, in Italian and Latin. While subtitles will not be available, story descriptions will be printed.

"I know we will sing well. I know it will look pretty," Ivanov said. "It's a minimal production, but minimal productions have been successful."

Tickets are $20 at the door, $15 for students.

Record-Journal reporter Stephanie O'Connell contributed to this story.

shernandez@record-journal.com

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