The Verdi Chorus takes special pride in announcing the debut of its fall concerts in Santa Monica this weekend in celebration of the 200th birthday of its namesake and guiding spirit, Giuseppe Verdi.
The group will honor the Maestro with a gala dedicated solely to his works including scenes and arias from his masterpieces La Traviata, Otello, the Covent Abduction scene from Il Trovatore and the Triumphal Scene from Act II of Aïda.
Guided by Artistic Director, Anne Marie Ketchum, its gifted guest soloists and the chorus promise to make these performances among the most exciting in its 30 years of presenting opera to audiences.
A very fine quartet of singers have been engaged for this glittering occasion and the Chorus is pleased to welcome back Soprano Shana Blake Hill and Baritone Roberto Perlas Gómez. Both have enjoyed great success with audiences previously.
The chorus is also excited to welcome the debuts of both Tenor Benjamin Bongers and Mezzo-Soprano Nandani Sinha.
Performances will be held this Saturday, Nov. 16 and Sunday, Nov. 17.
There will be a special birthday party in honor of Giuseppe Verdi following each of the concerts hosted by Alan Chapman of KUSC.FM.
Verdi Chorus has performed in conjunction with various groups including the LA Philharmonic, Jacaranda Music at the Edge, and through LA Opera at the opening ceremonies of the Ring Festival at LACMA.
This weekend’s show times are 7:30 pm Saturday, Nov. 16 and 4 pm Sunday, Nov. 17. Free parking is available directly across the street.
Priority seating, located in the first six rows, is available for $40 in advance, general admission is $30, seniors are $25, and students (25 and under with a valid ID) are $10.
The performances will take place in the magnificent acoustics of the First United Methodist Church in Santa Monica, 1008 11th Street.
Tickets can be purchased at the door but advance ticket purchases are recommended at www.verdichorus.org.