Some of the area's most talented vocalists will join with the musicians of the Southside Philharmonic Orchestra for a one-night performance of favorite operatic arias and choruses.
"An Evening at the Opera: Favorite Arias & Choruses" presented by the Southside Philharmonic Orchestra is set for 7 p.m. Friday at the Central United Church of Christ at 118 W. Ashley St. This performance will deliver fun and highly-dramatic excerpts from several well-known and beloved operas, including Verdi's "La Traviata," Puccini's "La Boheme" and Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro."
According to information provided by the Southside Philharmonic Orchestra, operatic arias can be considered the height of musical drama or opportunities for comic relief. Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro" is known as a great example of comic opera or opera buffa.
Arias are often the favorites of classical music lovers as they provide a more compact dose of musical entertainment at about three minutes in length. Shawny Green, with the Southside Philharmonic Orchestra, said people may be surprised at how many arias and choruses contain recognizable tunes that have penetrated the culture beyond opera houses.
"Everyone knows Bizet's 'Habaera' but I bet they don't know the context, and at our performance, we will emphasize the original context of each number," Green said.
Green said the concert will feature several vocalists, largely from Mid-Missouri, who will be showing their talents as they tackle these operatic feats.
"Singers are mostly from Jefferson City, and really the very best ones in our fine city," Green said. "We have 11 singers who will occasionally be combining into choruses, quartets, duets and supporting vocal roles for a couple of the arias."
Featured singers include:
Christina Bonsall, a classically trained lyric soprano who studied vocal performance at the University of Missouri and opera at Indiana University
Michael Brand, the new director of choirs at Capital City High School who moved to Missouri this year
Tenor Kerry Cordray, a communications officer with a regional utility association by day and performer who has been on stage with Scene One Theatre and Capital City Productions by night
Rachel Gerlt, who studied music education and vocal performance at the University of Missouri and teaches vocal music in her hometown of Russellville
Ryan Hampton, director of the MACC Singers and music instructor at Moberly Area Community College
Christine Jarguio Nichols, a mezzo-soprano who is the artistic director of the Columbia Public Schools fifth grade honor choir and also maintains a small private voice studio
Bethany Kiral Moebes, a soprano who is the director of vocal music at Fulton Middle School
Sandra Troutt, who has taught elementary music for nearly 30 years, with the majority of those spent at Belair Elementary School
The event will be emceed by T'Keyah Thomas, a poet, community organizer, OneMic host and well-known radio personality on KBIA. Tickets will be available at the door for $15 each or $7 for students. Cash or credit card will be accepted.