Events
Events
Individual Performance tickets are now available for the Summer 2010 Concert Series at the Sanfilippo Estate.
Visit the Summer Concert Series page for details and ticket purchase information.
William Powers - June 16, 2010
Video ©2010 by Thomas A. Heinz
The Sanfilippo Summer Concert Series first concert began with many surprises from Operatic Bass-Baritone William Powers, to the delight of the enthusiastic audience. Powers opened the show with "Invictus" an Italian Opera piece that blew the audience away with its beauty, mastery and volume. Following it were a Don Giovanni, Mozart character; Gounod's Faust; and then culminating with the "Hallucination Scene" from Moussorgski's Boris Goudinov, all with short descriptions and various costume and make-up changes in between. When Powers' Goudinov sunk to his knees, the audience rose to their feet.
After a short break, Powers entertained the audience with Broadway standards from Cole Porter, Richard Rogers, Roberta Kern and others. Broadcasting these standards in the operatic voice surprised many who expected a more traditional opera recital, but Powers was there to entertain. When he picked up a beer stein and began a medley of Madison Avenue Beer Commercials from the 50s and 60s, including Hamms, Budweiser, and Reinlander, he had the audience singing along in no time, basking in the nostalgia.
Upon returning from intermission, Powers mixed it up yet again, with a "Fluff and Froth" session including W. Charles' "The Green-Eyed Dragon" and the old cowboy song, "Boots and Saddles" from Sameuls, Whitcup & Powell. Bill Billingham, the piano accompanist, demonstrated his exquisite range of skills with this varied program, and the camaraderie between artist and musician was a joy for the audience to experience.
Lastly came a debut performance of "The Senator's Stump Speech" written specially for William Powers by S. M. Kohn. This required audience participation and the response was perfect to match Powers' singing out of both sides of his mouth, politician-style. The audience leapt to its feet as Powers ended with arms raised and his fingers in Nixon Peace signs.
For an encore, Powers, again, reached into the surprise bag and pulled out a hilarious hunting song which left the audience in a buzz of laughter. William Powers came to entertain the audience, and to the delight of all, he succeeded masterfully on many unexpected levels. The Sanfilippo Foundation was honored to have our Summer Concert Series kicked off in such a grand manner!
Click on an image to enlarge: | |
 William Powers as |  Powers singing an |
 W. Powers and |  Powers singing |
Docent-Guided Tours of the Sanfilippo Collection are available for groups of 50 or more. Send an email to: info@placedelamusique.org. Please include the name of your group and a contact phone number.
Special Events (concerts, gala fundraisers) can be arranged for Charity Organizations and Corporate Groups (no weddings or children's parties). Email the Sanfilippo Foundation Director: director@placedelamusique.org. Please include a contact phone number.
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