By Phyllis
Operatic March madness made for some great musical plays March 11 when the Dearborn Symphony hosted some of the area’s vocal all-stars for its “Night at the Opera!” at the Ford Community & Performing Art Center.
Fans cheered as guest artists Kathrin White, soprano; Matthew Tuell, tenor; and Andrew Garland, baritone, teamed up with Wayne State University’s Symphonic Chorus and Detroit’s Choral Society for final victory.
Highlights from the show-included Garland executing “A” game vocals as he performed Rossini’s “Largo al factotum” from “Barber of Seville.” Garland’s boyish charm lent a magnetic compliment to Rossini’s powerful score. He dominated the stage. Unassuming with curly red hair, this fair-skinned boy next door, belted out the operatic classic with old world mastery.
Next up, White brought playful elegance to Rossini’s “Una voce poco fa” from “Barber of Seville.” White played the operatic court with passionate commitment for the win. The versatile White is at home performing alone as well as a gracious team player. Her voice ranged with expressive artistry and heartfelt passion.
Tuell stood out with his performance of Puccini’s “Nessun dorma” from “Turandot.” Tuell’s engaging voice scored big, as he performed with the grace of true showman.
The team plays were over the top as The Humming Chorus unleashed a quiet excitement that hooked and scored the music of Puccini’s “Madame Butterfly.”
The glorious music of Donizetti’s “Overture to Don Pasquale” closed the first half of the night’s program, and gave the orchestra a chance to shine.
Highlights from the second half of the night’s show included Verdi’s “Va penserio” from “Nabucco,” and featured the brilliant chorus voices. Verdi’s “Brindisi” from “La Traviata” featured the collective efforts of the White and Garland as well as the chorus.
Garland returned scoring from the line, as he performed Bizet’s “Les Toredors” from “Carmen.” White, Garland and Tuell teamed together with chorus members for a brilliant performance of Stauss’ “Burderlein und Schwesterlein” from “Die Fledermaus.”
The final number included all team members as the evening closed with Verdi’s “Triumphal March” from “Aida.”
The Dearborn Symphony’s next performance will be 8 p.m. April 15 at the Ford Center, and features guest artists Kerstin Alvin and Jung Wha Lee, duo harps, as well as the music of Errante, Hartway, Theophanides and Copeland.
Tickets range from $10 to $30.
For more information call (313) 565-2424 or go to www.dearbornsymphony.org.