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Dashing, scandalous, and politically engaged, Verdi's 200th birthday is being celebrated. |
The Plainfield Symphony closes out its 93rd season Saturday evening with a program highlighting the music of Joe Green. OK, Guiseppe Verdi. (I couldn't resist.)
Verdi was not only one of the great Romantic composers of the 19th century, he was also politically engaged. His involvement in the reunification of Italy is legendary and many of his operas can be read as sly subversions of the reactionary censors (think of the Hebrew chorus from Nabucco, for example).
Celebrating the composer's 200th birthday, the PSO joins with the Oratorio Singers of Westfield to present an evening of orchestral, choral and vocal selections from the operatic master.
As is its tradition, the Plainfield Symphony follows the closing concert with its gala Conductor's Circle After-Concert Party, this year honoring Principal Flautist Leslie Pruess.
The concert will include selections from La Traviata, Nabucco, Aida and other operas. The PSO will be under the direction of Michael Avagliano, with the chorus prepared and conducted by its Director, Trent Johnson, familiar to many area music lovers as the organist at Westfield's First United Methodist Church.
Tickets for the concert are $50/person for reserved seating, $30/regular and $20/seniors and students, and may be purchased at the door. PSO performances are at the Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church, East 7th Street and Watchung Avenue. (Parking in church lot, on the street, or in Swain Galleries lot.) Info: (908) 561-5140 or visit the PSO website: www.plainfieldsymphony.org/.
The Conductor's Circle After-Party is $45/person and includes a light buffet and open bar. It gets under way at 9:30 PM, and will be held at the gracious home of Tony Mitchell and Jenny Ciappa, 1419 Evergreen Avenue. Tickets to the party are separate from the concert and may be paid for at the door, but you must reserve in advance. Reservations can be made with Carolyn Wellington at (703) 624-1028 or email sybilgovinda@aol.com.
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