Weekend full of Festival of Music activities

By Special to The Democrat | The Natchez Democrat

Published Friday, May 22, 2009

Natchez — The Natchez Festival of Music is presenting a weekend full of music which should appeal to a wide audience.

Beginning with Commmand Performance 8 p.m. today at Trinity Episcopal Church; continuing with Broadway and Opera Highlights at 8 p.m. on Saturday at Margaret Martin Performing Arts Center and ending the weekend at 4 p.m. Sunday, with a Plantation Performance at The Towers, the weekend will provide a great treat for the community.

Command Performance is a program of selections of arias from opera and Broadway songs selected by the main stage artists who will be featured in Carmen, this year’s major opera. The leading artists in Carmen, Malena Dayen, David Guzman and Philip Skinner are joined by a group artists, including several who are long time Natchez favorites.

This event has traditionally been one of the favorites with the Natchez audience, as these artists sing music which shows off their great talents. The setting in Trinity Episcopal Church only enhances the atmosphere.

A treat is in store for Saturday evening with Broadway and Opera Highlights. The most beloved songs and arias from each production will fill the auditorium at Margaret Martin Performing Arts Center as 20 artists continue their competition for the Blackburn-Killelea Award. The excitement of Broadway musicals and the elegance of beloved operas will be presented in scenes in which the artists will sing music which is known and loved throughout the world.

The favorite selections from South Pacific, Candide, The King and I, The Tales of Hoffman, Sweeney Todd, Rigoletto, Gigi, La Bohème, Madame Butterfly, The Music Man, Hansel and Gretel, Lakme, Die Fledermaus, Carousel, Trouble in Tahiti and West Side Story will entertain the audience.

The Plantation Performance on Sunday at The Towers will feature Emily Ezzie and Matt Klepak, accompanied by Donna Schaffer. The beautiful antebellum home makes a perfect setting for their fine music and talents. It is a beautiful way to end this magical weekend of performances.

Tickets area available at Natchez Pilgrimage Tours at 601-446-6631 and can also be purchased at the door for events.