On April 29 and 30, The Verdi Chorus’ 39th season will finish with “VERDISSIMO! Plus!” for two performances only at the First Presbyterian Church in Santa Monica. Led by Founding Artistic Director Anne Marie Ketchum, the Verdi Chorus is the only choral group in Southern California that focuses primarily on dramatic and diverse music for opera chorus. Countertenor Brandon Harris will be performing with the chorus and shared a little bit about performing in the concert and working with Ketchum.
This Spring, the Santa Monica based Verdi Chorus will have Arcadia native Todd Wilander as their guest tenor soloist, as he flies in direct from the stage of the Royal Opera, and before he jets
“Patrisse Cullors: F ck White Supremacy, Let’s Get Free”
The Hammer Museum presents the artist and Black Lives Matter co-founder in this live performance and dance party featuring DJ sets plus a conversation between Cullors and associate curator Erin Christovale. Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Free. hammer.ucla.edu, youtube.com
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Alisa Weilerstein & Inon Barnatan
The cellist and the pianist share the stage in a recital livestreamed from the Irvine Barclay Theatre. 7 p.m. Thursday; available on demand through April 15. $20 per household. thebarclay.org
“From Number to Name”
Writer-performer, activist and local elected official Kristina Wong devised and directs this live Zoom show inspired by the stories of formerly incarcerated members of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. Co-presented by East West Players and API Rise. 7 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday only. Pay what you will. eastwestplayers.org
Verdi Chorus carries operatic singers through tumultuous times
Mar. 16, 2021 at 6:00 am
At a time when group singing is a forbidden and dangerous activity, the virtual programming of Santa Monica’s own Verdi Chorus has created a sanctuary for opera singers and appreciators alike.
Facing an indefinite industry shutdown, the chorus has come together to build an artist relief fund and an online concert series featuring some of the most promising professional area singers.
At the helm of this effort is founding Artistic Director Anne Marie Ketchum, who has helped steer the 54 member strong group through 38 seasons. She is organizing a series of musical soirees highlighting the talent and tenacity of opera singers from the choir’s young professional ‘Fox Singers’ program.