GRAFTON — Southern Vermont Lyric Theatre presents its fourth annual “Verdi in Vermont” concert at the Grafton Church. This year, two concerts will be offered: Saturday, Oct. 7, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 8, at 3 p.m.
The annual concert celebrates one of the most famous of all Italian opera composers: Giuseppe Verdi. Born on October 9 or 10, 1813, Verdi wrote 25 operas that have become the most performed by any operatic composer. Not only was Verdi an influential composer, but he spent about 20 years involved in Italian politics.
Featured soloists for the concert include sopranos Michelle DeCoste and Amy Suznovich, who recently performed with SVeLT for their August production of La Bohème. Tenor James Anderson, international opera singer and resident of Brattleboro, also will perform, according to a news release.
Baritone Nick Tocci and bass Peter Campbell, who were also seen in La Bohème, will be returning to Grafton. Mezzo Soprano Geralyn Donohue, from Chester, will present a few arias. SVeLT co-founders, soprano Julie and pianist Ken Olsson, are also featured on the concert.
The concert will include scenes and arias from some of Verdi's most beloved operas: Aïda, Don Carlos, La forza del destino, Otello, Rigoletto, and La Traviata. Throughout the concert, Baritone Steve Curylo, who is a featured singer, will present mini lectures to help concertgoers learn more about Verdi's life and times.