Classical Concert at Belair
What a way to begin 2016! With music of impressive power and classic style, performed by young artists at the top of their highly competitive field. How have we lucked into such a concert, it’s hard to know, but don’t let this chance go by!
The Out ’n About was treated to a preview of the concert earlier this week and had a short chat with the artists as they rehearsed for their performance at Belair Community Centre. They were fun and friendly, but also serious and focused. The musical talent was truly jaw-dropping, with voices that filled the hall with rich, emotion-filled vibrato blending with melodic expression of a joyfully-played baby grand piano.
The sneak peek on Tuesday included some very dramatic scenes from the opera Carmen, performed by mezzo-soprano Sarah Heltzel and tenor Dominic Armstrong. Heltzel, a stunning auburn-haired beauty, transforms herself fully into character as she sings and acts. Armstrong is the perfect counterpoint to her, dominating the stage during his solos and pursuing her during the duets as she defies him.
Both of these vocalists have impressive resumes and stellar careers. Armstrong’s rave reviews at scores of venues, including the New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra and the American Lyric Theater, have him in high demand. His voice has been described as bright, warm, nimble, emotionally-charged, versatile, heart-melting and somewhat bewilderingly “Mozartian with tones of Wagner.” Be that as it may, Armstrong is sure to knock your socks off! This is his first performance in St. Maarten.
Heltzel emerged from the Seattle Opera scene in 2005 and since then has been featured in operas across the United States, including New York City Opera, the Houston Opera and the Boston Philharmonic. Her performances have been described as powerful, sexy, alluring, spicy, commanding, polished, vivacious, sultry, grounded, bronzy, mischievous, and, less easily deciphered: “amber” and “rather angular.” If you can absorb all that, you know you are ready for the real deal! This will be Sarah’s second performance in St. Maarten.
Accompanying the opera stars will be pianists Shane Schag and Chun-Wei Kang. The masters of the four-handed piano are also masters at juggling their careers, performance schedule, family life and marriage. As the rehearsal progressed, their two little ones played under the watchful eye of a caregiver. On occasion, their exuberance merited a stern look from one or both of the pianists.
Schag is an Ohio native, who has performed throughout the United States and Europe, and serves as staff pianist and vocal coach at the Manhattan School of Music, Centro Studi Italiani Opera Festival, and Opera Works in Los Angeles.
Kang is a native of Taiwan, who has performed both as soloist and as an ensemble performer throughout the United States, Canada and East Asia, including concerto performances with the Kingston Symphony Orchestra. She has also served as staff pianist in the National Music Competition in Taiwan, Canadian Provincial Festival and the Centro Studi Italiani Opera Festival.
Come out tonight, Thursday, January 7 at Belair Community Centre. Be sure to be on time and seated for the 8:00pm start – and turn those phones to silent, please!
Tickets at the door cost US $30 for adults and $12 for children and students. Students must walk with their student cards. Pre-sale tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children and students. Tickets are still available at The Daily Herald, Shipwreck Shop on Front Street, La Vista Resort in Pelican, Pianissimo in Marigot, Van Dorp in Simpson Bay and Adante Music School.
