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May
1996 - Carmen in Concert
This was a rare opportunity to hear a passionate concert-version of
Bizet’s opera, “Carmen”, performed in English. Robyn Shapiro, from
the Philadelphia Opera Company assumed the role of the famous fiery gypsy.
Carmen, a cigarette factory worker, seduces a naïve army corporal,
Don Jose, newly assigned to the village fortress. Jose abandons his career,
his fiancée, and even his dying mother for the love of the sultry
gypsy. But she soon spurns him in favor of a toreador. Crazed with jealousy,
Jose begs Carmen to return to him, but her taunting declaration of independence
results in tragedy. Featured with Shapiro were Brian McNealey (tenor) as
Jose, Margaret Brooks (soprano), as Michaela and Charles Kopstein-Penk
(bass) as the toreador. From within the ECAS were soloists, Jonathan West,
Jeffrey Baer, Patty Rubin and Melissa Wise. This engrossing drama was performed
as a semi-staged version with a full orchestral accompaniment and conducted
by Douglas I. Smith.
November
1996 - A Festival of Best-Loved Bach
In love and respect, this concert was dedicated to the memory of Nan
Terry. As a member of the ECAS, we are amazed to recall all she was and
all she did in her few short years with us. This concert included many
favorites sung in both English and the original German. The program included:
“Jesu,
Joy of Man’s Desiring” from a lesser known cantata, No. 147.
The viola was played by Meredith Buxton and “The Coffee Cantata”
was sung by Steve Strobeck, Jeffrey Baer and Melissa Wise, with Susan Zimmer
as organist. “A Mighty Fortress is our God” –
“The Reformation
Cantata” included solo performances by Robert McGee, Sherri Trader-Hynes,
Ed Nordby, Patty Rubin and Jeffrey Baer. “Sheep May Safely Graze”
included Diane Thomas and Ryan Bell playing the flute , and “Jesu, Priceless
Treasure” included a trio with Lissa Barnes, Frances Creswell and Tracey
Phillips. |
