Soprano Melanie Helton, last heard with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra in 2006 in Verdi's Requiem, is joined by tenor Eric Ashcraft for this presentation of selections of the composer's La Traviata. The Vocal Arts Ensemble, led by Benjamin Cohen will also be featured. The concert is generously sponsored by Jim and Millie Irwin with additional support from the MCACA.
Verdi La Traviata excerpts Adapted from the 1848 Alexandre Dumas novel "La dame aux Camelias," La Traviata remains one of the most popular operas in America, third in popularity behind only Madame Butterfly and La Boheme. The opera tells the ever-popular tale of: Girl meets boy; girl falls in love with boy; girl tells boy she misses her life as a courtesan; girl gets boy back; girl dies of tuberculosis. Soprano Melanie Helton and tenor Eric Ashcraft bring the tragic love affair to life.
Brahms Symphony No. 2 This bright and buoyant piece is full of sunshine and good cheer. The theme from the first movement is cherished by parents and children for naps and bed time. This light-hearted beginning builds to a conclusion that simply abounds with joy. This performance completes the Ann Arbor Symphony's cycle of Brahms' symphonies under the direction of conductor Lipsky.
Paul Fetler's Capriccio is a playful and ebullient piece that rounds out the season's performances of works by this living composer. Audience members will thrill to be in the audience as the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra records the performance live for a CD to be distributed by the Naxos label.
All ticket holders are invited to join Maestro Lipsky and composer Fetler at 7 pm for a discussion of the evening's program.
Melanie Helton is associate professor of voice and director of opera theatre at the Michigan State University School of Music. One of the most versatile sopranos in the United States, Helton is hailed by The New York Times for her "soprano that warms the ear."
Eric Ashcraft is noted for his musical sensitivity and excellent diction. Ashcraft has received critical praise for his resonant and flexible tenor as well as his expressiveness on stage. One recent performance prompted a critic to comment "Ashcraft's voice, after a quiet start, practically shook the building with its power." This is Eric's second performance with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, having dazzled the audience as Don José in Carmen in 2002. -- www.a2so.com
