UPDATE: Per a press release, “Los Angeles County Field Deputy Zachary Gaidzik will award The Verdi Chorus a document of commendation on the occasion of their 35^th Anniversary for outstanding contributions to the Third District of Los Angeles County, represented by Sheila Kuehl. The Verdi Chorus was also recognized this Fall by the City Council of Santa Monica for its achievements over the last 35 years.”

The Verdi Chorus has announced that its 35th anniversary season will be coming to a close with a fall concert held at the First United Methodist Church in Santa Monica, titled “Passione! Opera!” The concert will only run for two days, November 10 and 11, 2018, bringing operatic choral selections to audiences in the Southern California region.

The program will feature selections from Verdi’s “Aida,” “Don Carlo,” and “Nabucco,” as well as from Boito’s “Mefistofele,” Saint-Saëns’ “Samson et Delila,” Catalani’s “La Wally,” and Offenbach’s “The Tales of Hoffman.”

“ When I was faced with challenge of putting together a program for the culmination of the 35th anniversary season of the Verdi Chorus, I found myself turning to the operatic selections that have inspired me over the years on the deepest level. I also wanted to include works that have inspired the community that has grown around the Verdi Chorus itself,” said Anne Marie Ketchum, founding artistic director of The Verdi Chorus.

“I’m happy to say the result of all this has ended up being a wonderful mix of audience favorites, as well as some very interesting and exciting selections that haven’t been heard in some time. From the Grand March in ‘Aida’ to the soaring power of good over evil so brilliantly evoked in ‘Mefistofele,’ I can’t think of a better way to musically celebrate this banner year!”

Among the featured soloists are soprano Julie Makerov, mezzo-soprano Janelle DeStefano, tenor Todd Wilander, and Grammy Award-winning baritone Gabriel Manro.