The Verdi Chorus celebrates its 35th anniversary with its Spring 2018 concert The Force of Destiny for two performances only at the First United Methodist Church in Santa Monica on Saturday, April 28, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 29, at 2 p.m., led by Founding Artistic Director Anne Marie Ketchum. As the only choral group in Southern California that focuses primarily on the dramatic and diverse music for opera chorus, their program will feature selections from three Verdi operas: La forza del destino, Nabucco, including the famed chorus “Va, pensiero,” the opening party scene of La traviata, and beloved melodies from Strauss’ Die Fledermaus.
The program will feature four guest soloists: soprano Shana Blake Hill, hailed by Opera News for her “flood of glorious sound,” mezzo-soprano Karin Mushegain called “superb” by The New York Times, tenor Alex Boyer, celebrated in The San Francisco Chronicle for his “grit and vocal power,” and baritone Ben Lowe, who returns to the Verdi Chorus by popular demand and who recently made his New York debut at BAM in Matthew Aucoin’s opera Crossing.
LOCATION: First United Methodist Church in Santa Monica, 1008 11th St., Santa Monica 90403
TICKETS: $10 – $40
(800) 838-3006