Douglas I. Smith, D.M.A., Artistic Director
Previous Programs: 1996 - 1997
November
1997 - An Evening with Cole Porter
A live musical tribute to Cole Porter who created some of America's
most loved music of the theatre and movies and bequeathed us a legacy of
commentary on life in these United States. Songs such as "Begin the
Beguine", "In the Still of the Night", "Anything Goes", and
others transported us back to the heyday of the 1930's. Denise Carlson,
an Avalon favorite, was the special guest artist. This concert was in the "caberet style" at the historic Avalon Theatre, playing to packed houses
for both performances. Other numbers included: "Another Op'nin, Another
Show", "From this Moment On", "I've Got You Under My Skin", "I Love Paris",
"Too Darn Hot", "True Love", "Be a Clown", and "Night and Day".
May
1997 - Giuseppe Verdi's "Requiem"
This colossal piece of music has been referred to as the "most exciting
piece of music ever written." It was performed by more than 70 singers
and a 40 member orchestra, including numerous offstage brass players to
"sound the final trumpet" before judgement day. Verdi's burial-mass composition,
the most famous reqiuem of all time, was originally written for Manzoni,
an Italian political figure. Verdi's Requiem is dramatically
conceived, covering the full range of dynamics and emotions in the style
of the Romantic composers. Soloists Brian Meneely, Katherine Turner Barlow,
David Neal and Robin Shapiro were featured.
January
1997 - Gian-Carlo Menotti's Amahl and the Night Visitors
The story of Amahl and the Night Visitors is, in the words of
the composer, a child's fantasy, based on the Scriptures. It is a story
of simplicity, virtue, and love; characteristics frequently and painfully
missing from today's world. It is a Christmas fantasy of the arrival of
the three traveling kings at the manger of the newborn Christ Child. Performed
in full costume in the lovely Avalon Theatre, this mini opera, featured
mezzo-soprano, Patty Rubin, and seventh grader, Scott Meyers from Kennet
Square, Pa. as Amahl. Other prominent soloists included Ed Nordby, Jeffrey
Baer, Lawrence Holmes and David Hearn.
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.
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.
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Easton Choral Arts Society
P. O. Box 13
Easton, Maryland 21601