The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra Presents “The Devil You Say” May 11, Starring Samuel Ramey
The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra concludes its stellar 52nd season with a not-to-be-missed concert on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 7:00 pm, starring world-renowned American bass Samuel Ramey singing music from one of his most famous roles, Mephistopheles. Concertgoers are invited to attend this historic Elmhurst event when the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Music Director Stephen Alltop, presents “The Devil You Say” at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 Brush Hill Rd. in Elmhurst. Joining the ESO and Mr. Ramey in the performance will be the Elmhurst Choral Union and the Elmhurst College Choir in music by Boito (Prologue and Selections from Mefistofele), Wagner (Pilgrim’s Chorus from Tannhäuser and Selections from Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg), and Berlioz (Rákóczy March from La Damnation of Faust and Royal Hunt and Storm from Les Troyen.) .
This concert is underwritten with a generous gift from Liz and Bill Downey. Sponsors for the Wagner and Berlioz works are Keith and Irmgard Olson, Arnold and Dora Schenk, and Raita Vilnins.
For almost three decades, Samuel Ramey has reigned as one of the music world’s foremost interpreters of bass and bass-baritone operatic and concert repertoire. The combination of Mr. Ramey’s commanding vocalism, exceptional musicianship, elegant stage presence, and uncommon theatrical abilities enables him to portray a wide variety of operatic characters.
The unique expressiveness of the bass voice has inspired many composers to assign the portrayal of devils and villains to basses, and it is in this repertoire that Mr. Ramey has established a reputation unequaled in the musical world. Méphistophélès in Gounod’s Faust has become his most-performed role with over 200 performances in more than twenty productions. He is equally well-known in opera houses and concert halls throughout the world for his performances of Boito’s Mefistofele. In 1996 Mr. Ramey presented a sold-out concert at New York’s Avery Fisher Hall titled A Date with the Devil in which he sang fourteen arias representing the core of this repertoire, and he continues to tour this program throughout the world.
Samuel Ramey has appeared on the stages of opera houses and concert venues all over the world and throughout his career has worked with every major operatic and orchestral conductor. His repertoire includes more than fifty roles, and he holds the distinction of being the most recorded bass in history. His more than eighty recordings have garnered nearly every major award, and his exposure on television and video is no less impressive, with frequent appearances with “Live from the Met” and “Live from LincolnCenter” as well as other productions taped for PBS.
Following his phenomenal success in opera, concert, and recordings, Samuel Ramey’s sold-out Carnegie Hall recital in 1987 added a fourth dimension to his spectacular career. His returns to Carnegie Hall for solo recitals in February 1995 and November 1998 were the culmination of extensive, critically-acclaimed North American tours. His European recital career is equally notable, with sold-out appearances in all the music capitals.
A native of Colby, Kansas, Samuel Ramey was named “Kansan of the Year” in 1995, and in 1998 the French Ministry of Culture awarded him the rank of Commander in the Order of Arts and Letters.
Audience members are invited to learn more about the music at a free concert preview with Ted Hatmaker at 5:45 p.m. in the upper level Gathering Room of the church. Concert doors and the box office open at 6:15. The church is handicapped-accessible and offers free parking.
A festive post-concert party, “Speak of the Devil….and he shall appear!” at Double Tree Hotel in Oak Brook will follow the performance. Cost of the reception is $100 per person. Samuel Ramey will be in attendance, and pianist Jeffrey Panko will provide music for guests as they enjoy hearty hor d’oeuvres, a sweet table and an open bar. Tickets for a split the pot raffle are $10 each. An auction will feature several priceless items, including a performance at the winning bidder’s home or event by renowned Dutch soprano Josefien Stoppelenberg and ESO Music Director, Conductor and pianist Stephen Alltop, which will have an opening bid of $500. All proceeds from the evening benefit the ESO and its programs. For tickets contact the ESO at 630-941-0202 or boxoffice@elmhurstsymphony.org
Concert tickets are $29 for adults, $27 for seniors and $7 for students. A single concert family ticket for $65 will admit two adults and up to three students. Groups of 10 or more are $25 per ticket. Call or email the ESO or visit www.elmhurstsymphony.org for tickets.
This concert is made possible in part by grants from the City of Elmhurst Tourism Fund, the Illinois Arts Council (a state agency), and the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation.