HOLMES BEACH – Natalie Almeter has always loved music. A few years ago, she sang in front of her mother’s store, Irene’s Resort Wear, during a holiday walk around with her boyfriend who played guitar, and she attracted a group of admirers.
Since then, she has turned her attention to classical music and is studying opera at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.
“I listened to opera, and I really loved it,” she said. “Their voices sing with such power and emotion.”
She did two recitals on April 20 and 22 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church to raise money to go to Germany for a month for the German Voice Competition. She’s also known for singing at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Holmes Beach and some St. Bernard people attended the recitals, including Fr. Michael Mullen, who retired on May 1.
“I exceeded my monetary goal, so I won’t have to worry about that,” she said.
Almeter, who has sung French and Italian opera, said she has a tie to German opera.
“My family has Bavarian roots,” she said. “My grandfather was in Germany in the military.”
As for the opportunity before her, she said she is very excited. She thanks her teacher, Beverly Rinaldi, and wants to do her best.
Her mother, Nanette Almeter, credits her daughter for her efforts, and she thinks Natalie is definitely going places.
“She’s going to college full time and had two part-time jobs, but she gave up one job to prepare for her trip,” she said. “It’s nice to have a profession, but if you do what you truly want to do, it’s very special.”