|
|
Saint
Luke’s Church presents
New York Opera Forum
Opera Forum doubles the fun with a pair of great comic operas at Saint Luke’s Church, Forest Hills, on Sunday, May 20, at 3 p.m.
On Sunday, May 20, at 3 p.m., Forest Hills gets a chance to hear two masterpieces of the opera buffa repertoire, presented in concert by New York Opera Forum.
Der Schauspieldirektor (The Impresario), Mozart’s zany take on backstage life at the opera house, is paired with Donizetti’s hilarious commedia dell’arte-inspired Don Pasquale in this irresistible double bill.
Mozart’s witty gem depicts the trials and tribulations of an opera producer caught in the crossfire between two rival sopranos. Don Pasquale tells of the follies of a wealthy bachelor who attempts to thwart his nephew’s undesirable romance by disinheriting the young man and taking a youthful bride of his own. Both works showcase their respective composers’ gift for ravishing, unforgettable melody as well as scintillating comedy.
Heading both casts is soprano Karole Lewis, a Forest Hills favorite, who sings Donizetti’s headstrong Norina as well as Mozart’s virtuoso Mme. Herz. Her colleagues include tenor Michael Sanita, soprano Jenny Millsap, baritone Robert Garner and bass Peter Heiman.
The double bill plays for one performance only in the beautiful, historic sanctuary of Saint Luke’s Church, located at 85 Greenway South, between Ascan Ave. and Harrow St., in Forest Hills Gardens. A complimentary wine-and-cheese reception with the artists will follow the event. The suggested donation is $12 ($10 for students and seniors). For reservations or further information, please call 718-268-7772, or visit www.gingerbreadplayers.org.