A ceremony at the National Opera Center saluted the memory of opera coach, teacher and collaborative pianist Joan Krueger, who died last year at the age of 64. Krueger ran a private coaching studio in New York City and taught for 17 years at SUNY Purchase. Over the course of her career, she served as assistant conductor at Sarasota Opera, and coached at the Mostly Mozart Festival, where she worked with singers like Cecilia Bartoli and Sumi Jo. Artist manager Ken Benson, a longtime friend of Krueger’s, spearheaded a drive to install an Ovation Hall Tribute Panel in her honor, and on May 18, he presided over its dedication.

“While we all have our own per­sonal memories of Joan,” Benson said at the ceremony, “I really liked the idea of there being one tangible reminder, especially in a place where she had played and visited often. I hope that all of her friends, colleagues and stu­dents will think of her when they see it. Hopefully, it will be a lucky omen at their auditions, and her students will be reminded of her words of wisdom.”