Dr. Gerald Case-Blanchard & Dr. Wendy Chu at Tibbits Opera House

Dr. Gerald J. Case-Blanchard, a distinguished lyric baritone from Philadelphia, and Dr. Wendy Chu, an accomplished pianist originally from Taipei, Taiwan, will grace the stage of Tibbits Opera House for an evening of captivating performances. Dr. Case-Blanchard's powerful voice has resonated across North America and Europe, earning acclaim for his dynamic operatic roles and collaborations with orchestras. Dr. Chu, known for her technical brilliance and emotive interpretations, has performed internationally, delighting audiences with her diverse repertoire.

The Smith Memorial Benefit Concert, organized by Diane Smith Pridgeon and Susanne Smith Wise, honors the memory of Ruth, Robert, Douglas, and Dean Smith, reflecting their family's legacy of community support and resilience. This year, the concert supports the Coldwater High School Choral Department and the Kellogg Community Choral Union Tour of the Baltics, fostering community connectivity. Previous concerts have benefited various non-profits, including Habitat for Humanity, the local food pantry, the health clinic, Hospice, Family Promise, Tibbits, area choir programs, and others, embodying the concert's mission to give back to the community.

Don't miss this extraordinary evening of music featuring Dr. Gerald J. Case-Blanchard and Dr. Wendy Chu. Join us in celebrating the legacy of the Smith family and supporting a vibrant community.

Dr. Gerald J. Case-Blanchard, Lyric Baritone Dr. Gerald J. Case-Blanchard, hailing from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a distinguished lyric baritone whose powerful and passionate voice has captivated audiences worldwide. He has received critical acclaim for his dynamic and virtuosic performances, notably in the Pennsylvania premiere of Ron Nelson's "The Drifter '' with the Kennett Symphony Orchestra under Maestra Mary W. Green's direction. Dr. Case-Blanchard's extensive operatic repertoire includes memorable roles such as Falke in "Die Fledermaus," Don Alfonso in "Cosi fan Tutte," and Bonze in "Madama Butterfly." He has collaborated with renowned orchestras and performed across North America, Europe, and Canada, showcasing his rich and expressive vocal talents.

Dr. Wendy Chu, Pianist Dr. Wendy Wan-Hsing Chu, an esteemed pianist and pedagogue originally from Taipei, Taiwan, has earned acclaim for her profound musicality and technical prowess. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Chu has performed extensively in solo and chamber recitals across Taiwan, Austria, Canada, and the United States. Her performances are celebrated for their breathtaking interpretations of composers such as Debussy, Ravel, and Liszt. Dr. Chu is also a dedicated educator, incorporating the Alexander Technique and the Taubman Approach to inspire her students at Delta College and through her private studio in Saginaw, Michigan.

Tickets for this event range from $10-$20 including fees ($16+fees for adults and $6+fees for students 18 & under). Doors will open one hour prior to showtime and seating will begin 30 minutes prior to showtime. No outside food or drink allowed in the theatre.