Academy of Vocal Arts’ 2020-21 Season Continues with Three Virtual Concerts
By Chris RuelThe Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) has announced the continuation of its virtual season with three upcoming spring performances.
On Saturday, March 20 at 7:30 P.M. EST, the Academy will present a virtual performance of “Jubilate! A Concert of Sacred Music.” AVA will film the annual concert at Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral. The program includes a string quartet and 14 of AVA’s resident artists performing inspiring works from across the centuries by Bach, Pergolesi, Handel, Mozart, Schubert, Virgil Thomson, Nadia Boulanger, David Anthony Lofton, and José Mauricio Nunes Garcia. Music Director David Anthony Lofton will conduct.
The following month, on April 24 at 7:30 P.M. EST, AVA will showcase a virtual recital of French music, digging into the mind of poet Paul Verlaine (1844-1896) with “Verlaine, Le Voyage Humain.” As of this writing, the program comprises music by Chausson, Delius, and Déodat de Séverac. Featured soloists include soprano Aubry Ballarò as Mathilde, mezzo-soprano Pascale Spinney as The Muse, baritone Benjamin Dickerson as Verlaine, and bass Peter Barber as Rimbaud. Music Director and pianist Audrey Saint-Gil accompanies. AVA will announce additional streaming details at a later date.
AVA’s graduation recital is scheduled for May 8 at 7:30 P.M. and will feature Music Director and pianist José Meléndez leading the Academy’s graduating Resident Artists in a final recital. Performers, repertoire, and streaming information will be announced at a later date.