Toni Anderson from LaGrange and Debbie Anderson of Columbus will highlight the upcoming LaGrange Civic Chorale performances of   “A Night at the Opera”.   The concerts are scheduled for Saturday, March 14, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 15, at 5:00 p.m.  Both concerts will be held in the sanctuary of The First Presbyterian Church on Broad Street in LaGrange.
 
“This concert is unique in concept for the LaGrange community and offers the audience an interesting and eclectic variety of operatic offerings,” commented Bettie Biggs, Artistic Director and Conductor of the LaGrange Civic Chorale.
 
The Chorale will perform highlights from some of opera’s greatest choruses including the famed Anvil Chorus from Verdi’s Il Travatore.  The concert is programmed in chronological order beginning with a rousing von Gluck opening chorus with trumpet and culminating with the moving “The Promise of Living” from Aaron Copland’s 1954 opera “The Tender Land.”
 
Mezzo Soprano, Dr. Toni Anderson, is head of the LaGrange College music department, and will perform works by Purcell, Rossini, Bizet and Menotti.  She has performed all across the United States.  She holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education [Georgia State University] & a Master’s degree in Vocal Performance [The New England Conservatory of Music].   Later this month she will perform as guest soloist with the Columbus Civic Chorale.
 
Lyric coloratura Debbie Anderson of Columbus will perform works by Donizetti, Puccini, Mozart and Douglas Moore.  Anderson has sung in orchestra halls, cathedrals, theaters and cabarets from Wisconsin to Georgia for the last thirty years. While living in Wisconsin, she served as vocal specialist and soloist with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Chorus and was the soprano soloist for their Arts in Community Education program.   She also has served as musical director for Springer Theater on Tour and Mainstage productions. She is a founding member of the professional vocal ensemble, Cantus Columbus, and is a vocal instructor for Columbus State University’s Music Conservatory and Department of Theatre.
 
Both sopranos will be featured in the hilarious “Cat Duet” by Rossini.
 
Well known local tenor Randy Ogle will join with Ed Biggs performing together as “ The Two Tenors from Troup” while the Chorale men will be featured in their debut performance of “Manly Men” (a spoof on men’s choruses) while the Chorale women will perform works for treble chorus by Handel and Delibes.
 
“Opera is the stuff of life set to music and should be enjoyed by everyone,” says Bettie Biggs, artistic director. “We have made sure that we have a well balanced program with a variety of musical opportunities for one and all.  From poignantly moving to poignantly hilarious, this concert is sure to bring tears to your eyes!”
 
The concert will culminate with the Chorale and soloists performing Aaron Copland’s “The Promise of Living” from his opera “The Tender Land.”   Cindy Brown in the Chorale accompanist.
 
 
Tickets can be purchased at Hill Street House, Plum Southern, Charter Bank in West Point or any member of the Chorale. Advance tickets are $10 with tickets at the door $12.  Inquiries can be made to  civicchorale@bellsouth.net or Ph: 706-882-2734 for further information.