A Musical Celebration Of Spring

SOUTH BRITAIN — Soprano Christina Holms, a rising star on the concert stage, will be appearing in concert in “A Musical Celebration of Spring” at South Britain Congregational Church, 693 South Britain Road/Route 172, on Sunday afternoon, May 3, at 4 pm. 

This will be a return appearance for Ms Holms, who performed with the internationally known tenor Tadeusz Szlenkier in concert at the church in September. Mr Szlenkier will join her again in this concert.

Performing with Ms Holms and Mr Szlenkier will be David Pershall, considered one of the best young baritones in the country, and the critically acclaimed mezzo soprano Emily Righter.

The vocalists will perform favorite operatic arias and fun Broadway selections including some new repertoire. They will be accompanied by the pianist Douglas Dickson of the Yale School of Music.

Christina Holms has appeared in several high profile concerts and events all over the country. Critics have lavished praise upon her, calling her “a legend in the making” and “one of the most expressive and inspiring singers in my memory.”

Tadeusz Szlenkier has performed in opera roles and concerts all over the world and is known for his glorious tenor voice, dynamic stage presence and wonderfully pleasing personality.

David Pershall is a 2007 Baylor School of Music graduate, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in performance, sang leading roles in Baylor Opera Theater, received the Dean’s Award for Most Outstanding Performance in the School of Music, and was the recipient of the Thomas Stewart Award for Vocal Excellence.

Mr Righter, who attended Carnegie Mellon, has already had one theater performance for the books: In August 2008 the western Pennsylvania native had to step in – just before Act II – when mezzo-soprano Sandra Piques Eddy, who was singing Romeo, took ill following the first act performance of Bellini’s The Capulets & the Montagues during Glimmerglass Opera, the summer festival in Cooperstown, N.Y.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Ms Righter not only “capably” replaced the ailing singer, but “in what should surely prove a star-making engagement, Ms Righter sang with rich tone, focus and agility, and assumed her character with buoyant physicality and impetuousness.”

Anthony Marchese of Great Voices USA has said that South Britain Congregational Church is an intimate and beautiful venue with wonderful acoustics.

“This program could be proudly presented and very well received at any concert hall in the world,” he added.

Tickets are $25, which will include a post-concert meet and greet reception.

For more information or reservations email GreatVoicesUSA@aol.com or abennett8448@charter.net or call June Bennett, 888-665-0533.