2012 – 2013 Season
PANAMA CITY POPS PRESENTS THE CLASSICAL AND THE CLASSY
From Russian opera to the American stage, that’s the itinerary for the March 16, 7:30pm performance of The Panama City POPS Orchestra at the Marina Civic Center.
Nineteenth century composer Alexander Borodin’s best known selection from his 1890 opera, “Prince Igor” will be the opening work in the orchestra’s tradition of half classical and half popular pieces. “Polovtsian Dances” which is seen by some to be his most significant work in one of the most important historical Russian operas, treats the audience to the story of the capture of Prince Igor and his son, Vladimir of Russia, by Polovtsian leader Khan Konchak, who entertains his prisoners lavishly and calls on his slaves to perform the famous Polovtsian dances, which provide a thrilling climax to the opera’s second act.
The music sets the stage for the orchestra’s exciting second act: the highly acclaimed vocals of Steve Amerson and Laurie Gayle Stephenson accompanied by the full orchestra.
From Russian opera to the American stage, that’s the itinerary for the March 16, 7:30pm performance of The Panama City POPS Orchestra at the Marina Civic Center.
Nineteenth century composer Alexander Borodin’s best known selection from his 1890 opera, “Prince Igor” will be the opening work in the orchestra’s tradition of half classical and half popular pieces. “Polovtsian Dances” which is seen by some to be his most significant work in one of the most important historical Russian operas, treats the audience to the story of the capture of Prince Igor and his son, Vladimir of Russia, by Polovtsian leader Khan Konchak, who entertains his prisoners lavishly and calls on his slaves to perform the famous Polovtsian dances, which provide a thrilling climax to the opera’s second act.
The music sets the stage for the orchestra’s exciting second act: the highly acclaimed vocals of Steve Amerson and Laurie Gayle Stephenson accompanied by the full orchestra.
Billed as “sensational soloists” and the “dynamic duo,” the pair brings a wealth of performing experience from the Broadway stage guaranteed to please. “Rarely are a soprano and tenor of such quality brought together for such an inspiring and enjoyable evening of music,” stated Artistic Director and Maestro Eddie Rackley. “Their vocal capabilities are simply extraordinary, and they also possess an incredible stage presence. If Broadway show tunes and memorable movie songs are one’s particular favorite, then this concert is especially for them.”
Steve Amerson, known as America’s Tenor, has been a featured soloist with scores of orchestras and performing arts organizations across the United States and abroad. He has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl and the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion of the Los Angeles Music Center. Steve was one of three tenors chosen to record demonstration tapes for Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras in preparation for select “The 3 Tenors” performances throughout the world.
Laurie Gayle StephensonBroadway veteran Laurie Gayle Stephenson made her Broadway debut in the Tony award winning “The Secret Garden” in which she performed the role of Lily. She starred for two years on Broadway as Christine Daae in “Phantom of the Opera.” Laurie was an original cast member of “The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber in Concert.” She has toured the U.S. singing opposite Michael Crawford and made her debut in London’s West End at The Palladium with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. She has toured nationally in numerous Broadway productions, and continues to minister throughout the country, sharing her songs of faith.
The Panama City POPS Orchestra season’s final concert is scheduled for May 4. Featured guests will be internationally acclaimed pianist, Christine Yoshikawa, accompanied by violinist, Levon Margaryan and cellist, Alexei Romanenko, performing Beethoven’s Triple Concerto.
For more information about the artists visit www.steveamerson.com and www.lauriegayle.com.