About the Artists

“An excellent tenor, strong and attractive of tone and manner” (The New York Times), Ben Bliss is “a model of relaxed, assured singing” (New York Classical Review) with “style, sensitivity, and easily achieved upper register” (Santa Fe New Mexican).

The Kansas native and Metropolitan Opera Beverly Sills Award winner combines superb musicianship and astute theatrical instincts to create memorable performances. “Tenor Ben Bliss sang with alacrity and precise, fine tunefulness. The color of his voice provided eloquence and taste and he never veered from his purpose” (Opera Wire).

Pre-concert Talk

Pre-concert Talk one hour before performance at 2pm.

Clayton State music professor Dr.Kurt-Alexander Zeller gives engaging, insightful talks about the music, and often plays recorded excerpts of pieces in the program. These talks begin one hour prior to concert time for selected Strings and Vocal series concerts and are free for all ticket-holders.

Concert Program

MOZART  Dalla sua pace, Don Giovanni

DUPARC  Sérenade
                     Chanson triste
                     Sérenade Florentine
                     Soupir
                     Phidylé

HANDEL  Ciel e terra armi disdegno, Tamerlano

Intermission

RESPIGHI  Pioggia
TOSTI  La Serenata
BELLINI  Vanne, o rosa fortunata
                   Ma rendi pur contento
LEONCAVALLO  Mattinata
GASTOLDONI  Musica prohibita

MERCER/ARLEN  This Time the Dream’s on Me
STRAYHORN  Lush Life
MERCER/ARLEN  One for My Baby
                                       Anyplace I Hang My Hat is Home