Events

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The fabulous Amy Conn and John Zuckerman
The fabulous Amy Conn and John Zuckerman

I just returned from an extended work/pleasure trip to Chicago where I attended the newest installation of the Chicago Cultural Center’s Summer Opera program, founded in 1999 and continuing under the impeccable and stellar leadership of producer Helen Vasey. Helen has produced three operas since I left – Rossini’s il Signor Bruschino in 2007, Bizet’s Djamileh in 2008 and Handel’s Acis and Galatea in 2009. Since I moved to New York City in late 2006, my travel schedule unfortunately has not until now allowed me to catch the operas in ’07 or ’08. I’m usually quite a harsh critic, but I felt that this production of Acis was an unqualified triumph and a stunning success! I really loved the production by Joanie Schultz and thought that the performances were uniformly excellent, including the lead roles, taken on by Amy Conn and John Zuckerman, and the fabulous performance of the New Millennium Orchestra under the direction of Francesco Milioto. large

Here is a review by Andrew Patner which appeared recently – I’m honored that he mentioned me but the real credit goes to the superb Helen Vasey who has really made this program her own and continued in fine fashion with high artistic and creative standards. Bravi to all involved!

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Frank Carlberg and Christine Correa

From the first moment of the arresting vocals by Christine Correa on pianist/composer Frank Carlberg‘s opening track “We get crazy” from The American Dream, his newest CD release, you know you’re in for something unusual, energetic, quirky yet… deep.

One of Carlberg’s signature talents is masterfully setting poetry to music. Richard Kamins of the Hartford Courant found that Carlberg did “…a masterful job blending the music and words, the results sounding so organic. The melodies wrap around the words with ease and the solos never seem obligatory. His music is melodic, challenging, intelligent, and fiercely original. Many projects that attempt to blend poetry with creative music sound stilted but, over his career, Carlberg has proven that one can take these two art forms and make something quite special.”

Frank’s just been touring in Europe and Maine and is back in Brooklyn for an appearance of The Frank Carlberg Quintet (Frank Carlberg, Mike Formanek, Devin Grey Trio) on August 1st at 8:00 PM at the Douglass Street Music Collective, 295 Douglass St., in Brooklyn.

Read more about Frank here – bio PDF and check out some of his great press here – press PDF.

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Areyzaga_Michelle_9038Chicago-based soprano Michelle Areyzaga is a revelation – pure beautiful tone, lovely stage presence, wonderful acting and just a pleasure to behold and to be around. She was my “muse” when I was in Chicago and she starred in three summer operas that I produced in 2002, 2003, and 2006.

Two performances remain of Donizetti’s Elixir of Love at DuPage opera on July 24 and 26. Michelle recently wrote: “I’m currently in rehearsals for a really great production of Elixir of Love at DuPage Opera Theatre. This is romantic comedy paired with glorious music. My leading man is John Sumners whom you may remember as my Rodolfo in La Boheme a couple of summers ago. And Michael La Tour (my favorite!) is directing. we are really enjoying our work and I think you will love the finished product! I hope you will join me if you can.”

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caption for xixiKicking off the celebration of Chinese Cultural Week in Chicago and the Chinese Fine Arts Society’s 25th Anniversary on Sunday, July 19 at 2:30 pm is the China Spectacle in Millennium Park – an engaging performance of music and dance which celebrates Qi Xi, pronounced Chee-Shee – the ancient Chinese love story of Niulang and Zhinu, the cowherd and the weaver fairy.This colorful presentation travels from Cloud Gate to Wrigley Square to the Crown Fountain and back, and features Little Star Dance Troupe, Skyland Chinese Opera, Chicago Chinese Cultural Center Lion Dancers, Betty Haag Magical Strings of Youth, Cheng Da Percussion Ensemble, All Star Kung Fu and Championship Martial Arts Academy – truly an experience not to be missed!

Concept/Artistic Direction: Nina Chen
Choreography: Jin Qiu Yue

DOWNLOADS AND LINKS

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Baguette_000I first met Colleen McHugh in Chicago when she was just beginning to publicly attract attention for her extraordinary singing. An accomplished comedienne and improv performer, Colleen is also blessed with a lovely, powerful voice and excels in heartbreaking and hilarious interpretations of songbook standards. In November of 2008 she started a monthly residency – “Calendar Girl” – at the Duplex in New York. Now in its ninth month, on Monday July 13th, the series will feature  Colleen’s Bastille Day French-themed show. McHugh promises”beautiful music, improvisation, sparkling cocktails, witty banter – a true celebration of all the things you love (and love to hate) about the French.” Featuring songs by Piaf, Bricusse, Porter, Legrand, Gershwin, and more! Special Chicago guests Miriam Plotkin and Chuck Larkin appear in this hilarious, always-sold-out, soignee soiree!

$25 Cover & a 2 Drink Minimum
Time: 9:30pm-10:30pm
Online reservations