CIM stars will shine in free opera preview

Among the performers coming to Westlake to preview CIM’s Opera Scenes program will be Renée Richardson, seen here in "Così fan tutte." Photo courtesy Robert Muller, Cleveland Institute of Music

The magnificent voices that captivated audiences at the Cleveland Institute of Music throughout its past season will perform excerpts from some of the world’s most popular operas on Tuesday, March 28, at 7:30 p.m. at Westlake Porter Public Library, 27333 Center Ridge Road. The Westlake-Westshore Arts Council has presented the FYI: Opera program free to the community for 26 years.

The March 28 program will preview CIM’s upcoming Spring Scenes presentation. CIM Opera’s artistic director, David Bamberger, said the Westlake performance will include portions of such well-beloved works as "La Bohème," "Don Giovanni," and "Porgy and Bess."

Bamberger gave an overview of the recent performances of five talented singers who will be heard at Porter Library. He said, “Renée Richardson, Jennifer Robble and Daniel Fridley come fresh from their triumphs as Fiordiligi, Despina and Don Alfonso in Mozart’s comedy 'Così fan tutte.' Last fall, Caroline Bergen sang the title role in Gian Carlo Menotti’s 'Amelia Goes to the Ball.'  Coraine Tate is remembered for the moving portrayal of the Countess in Mozart’s 'The Marriage of Figaro.'”

Porter Library’s program will be narrated by Bamberger and the Scenes program music director, John Simmons, will accompany the singers at the piano.

The March 28 FYI: Opera program offers an inviting sample of the Cleveland Institute of Music's fully costumed production of “Spring Scenes,” which will be performed April 21, 22 and 23 at CIM’s Kulas Hall.

Louise Seeholzer

Publicist for Westlake-Westshore Arts Council

Read More on Arts & Entertainment
Volume 9, Issue 6, Posted 10:09 AM, 03.21.2017