Internationally acclaimed stage director Joseph Bascetta will speak about the Fresno Grand Opera at the April 16 Friends of the Madden Library program at California State University, Fresno.

A reception will be held in the Madden Library at 6 p.m., followed by the program from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Reservations are required by April 12 by calling 278-5790.

Bascetta will discuss the founding of the opera company and the final preparations currently being made for Aida, the second production of its 2003-04 season.

In 1999, Bascetta helped start the new Fresno Grand Opera and soon became its artistic director. He directed the company’s first production, Madam Butterfly, with Maria Spacagna, and went on to direct productions of Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Rigoletto, and most recently Tosca and La Traviata.

Bascetta began his career in New York City where he received the coveted Show Business Award for Best Director of the Year. His background includes training with the Royal Shakespeare Company of London, study with renowned Opera Director Frank Corsaro and intensive study of the Stanislaysky acting technique with Stella Adler.

He has served as artistic director of the Berkshire Opera, the Ontario Opera and the Capital Artistic Opera Company.

Guests are welcome at Friends of the Madden Library programs. A charge of $2 will be charged at the door for non-members; $1 for students. All Friends of the Madden Library meetings are accessible to the physically handicapped. A sign-language interpreter will be provided upon advance request. For more information call 278-2403.