Delray Beach Chorale to perform 'Great Moments at the Opera,' 3/29 & 4/4

The Delray Beach Chorale's spring concert will feature highlights from several of the world's most famous operas. The 65-voice chorale, under the direction of Conductor/Artistic Director Eric Keiper, will perform selections from the works of Puccini, Verdi, Rossini, Donizetti, and Britten and others. The concerts will take place at the at the First Presbyterian Church in Delray Beach on Saturday, March 29th at 3:00 pm and at the Duncan Theatre in Lake Worth on Friday, April 4th at 7:30 pm,

"This program is for music lovers of all kinds, not just opera lovers," says Keiper. "Audiences will be thrilled with the high-speed angst of the La Traviata, the seduction of Carmen, the comedy and tragedy of Rigoletto, and the beauty of "Nesum Dorma" from Tourandot. The beauty of "O Mio Babino Caro", and the rugged Toreador Song will leave everyone with a song on their lips, passion in their souls, and rhythm in their hearts!"

The concert will feature solos by Chorale Artists in Residence Alicia Branch (soprano), Monica Hidalgo (mezzo soprano), Myngoe Brashears (countertenor), Jorge L. Toro (tenor), and William R. Stafford (baritone).

Founded 30 years ago by a group of Delray Beach singers, the Chorale has consistently attracted talented amateur and professional vocalists from Fort Lauderdale to Palm Beach.

The Delray Beach Chorale's mission is to promote and encourage the art of singing and to share the experience of great music with the community. Although their initial focus was on the classics of great choral literature, both traditional and contemporary, over the past several years they have broadened their musical scope to include works of 20th century composers, including Rachmaninoff, Copland, Gershwin, Bernstein, and Sondheim.

The Chorale also operates a Music Academy Program, the only one of its kind in the state. The five young professional musicians selected as Artists-in-Residence perform as soloists with the chorale, act as section leaders, and provide instruction to a select group of talented high school singers who also sing with the chorale. These young professionals will be showcased in the April performance.

Tickets for the Delray Beach Chorale's Spring Concert are $25 in advance and $30 the day of the concert. $5 student tickets (under 25, with ID) are also available. Tickets can be purchased on-line at http://delraybeachchorale.org/ or by phone at 1-800-984-7282. Special Group Rates (15 or more) are also available.