New York, NY (TOP40 Charts/ JAZconsulting) -- In April and May 2010, Gateway Classical
Music Society continues its highly regarded and widely acclaimed "Great Works of Art -- Up Close and Personal" series for a sixth year with performances of "Opera Highlights" and Giacomo Puccini's "Madama Butterfly." The "Great Works of Art -- Up Close and Personal" series has received enthusiastic response from audiences and has been described in reviews as "thrilling, compelling, unforgettable, amazing, and a revelation."
The Opera Highlights program on April 30 and May 1 will feature arias and ensembles from Rigoletto, Der Rosenkavalier, Les Contes d'Hoffmann, Turandot, Madama Butterfly and Pagliacci, performed by Gateway soloists, orchestra and chorus, and Sarasate's Carmen Fantasy and Massenet's Meditation from Thais, featuring violinist Nicholas Szucs. Scheduled Opera Highlights soloists include sopranos Vania Chan, Jacqueline Goldgorin, Christina Rohm and Susan Lochner; mezzo-sopranos Joan Marie Peitscher and Sandra Schwarzhaupt; tenors Mauricio O'Reilly, Benjamin Sloman, Nicholas Simpson and Gregory Spock; baritone Ricardo Rosa and bass-baritone Eric Keller.
Gateway Classical will continue the series on May 19 and 22 with a production of Puccini's Madama Butterfly, performed by Gateway soloists, orchestra and chorus. Performing in Madama Butterfly will be Christina Roam, Jacqueline Goldgorin, Joan Marie Peitscher, Mauricio O'Reilly, Benjamin Sloman, Hamid Rodriguez, Ricardo Rosa, Nathan Resika, Gregg Lauterbach and Gregory Spock. Both programs in the series will be conducted by Gateway's Artistic Director, Ida Angland. Reviews have described Ms. Angland as having ''inner genius, flair, idealism and grit" and her conducting has been hailed as "dynamic and passionate."
Opera Highlights will be performed in Old Greenwich, Connecticut on Friday, April 30 at 8:00pm at The First Congregational Church, 108 Sound Beach Avenue and in New York City on Saturday, May 1 at 1:00pm at the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, 213 West 82nd Street.
Puccini's Madama Butterfly will be presented at the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, 213 West 82 Street in New York City on Wednesday, May 19 at 8:00pm and Saturday, May 22 at 1:00pm.
Tickets for all performances are $30 for adults, $25 for senior citizens and $15 for students and may be purchased at the door beginning one hour prior to the performances or online at www.gatewayclassical.org. For groups of six or more, e-mail Gateway at [email protected] to inquire about discounted tickets.
Gateway Classical Music Society was founded in 2004 to increase public excitement, involvement and appreciation for classical music through high impact, intimate performances in city and suburban neighborhoods, and to provide opportunities for artists. Since its debut, Gateway has presented the "Great Works of Art -- Up Close and Personal" series in New York City and Connecticut. The large music masterworks presented in this series have included Aida (inaugural performance in 2004 and 2005 NY debut), Carmen, Rigoletto, the Verdi Requiem, the Rossini Stabat Mater, Opera Highlights performances and symphonic works, including Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.
For additional information, visit Gateway online at www.gatewayclassical.org.
