Nobody thought a chorus that launched 36 years ago at a now-defunct Italian restaurant would still be performing, but The Verdi Chorus persisted. Their fall concerts take place this weekend in Santa Monica and the performances are called Sound & Fury.
Anne Marie Ketchum, Music Director of The Verdi Chorus, has assembled a program with some of the best known operas of all time.
From Verdi come Otello and Il Trovatore. From Puccini come Turandot and Tosca. From Lehár comes The Merry Widow. (There may not be too much fury in that last opera, but there is plenty of beautiful sound.)
There are three soloists joining this weekend’s programs. Shana Blake Hill – soprano, Alex Boyer – tenor and Malcom MacKenzie – baritone are all guest artists. Laraine Ann Madden is the accompanist.
That this group has lasted this long is a testament to two things: First and foremost, the passion of Ketchum to keep it not just alive, but thriving. Her tenacity is remarkable. Secondly, they wouldn’t be around this long if they weren’t talented and there wasn’t an audience for what they do.
Opera-goers on the West Side don’t have many options to experience opera and The Verdi Chorus gives them their fix. Perhaps people from other parts of town aren’t as inclined to drive to Santa Monica for a concert. To ignore a talented ensemble because it isn’t geographically desirable is to short-change yourself from some great music.
For tickets to either Saturday evening or Sunday afternoon, go here.
Photo of The Verdi Chorus by Tim Bereth/Courtesy of The Verdi Chorus