University of Maine alumni vocal concert to benefit University Singers
Five University Singers alumni from the University of Maine will present a benefit concert of vocal solos on Feb. 20 at the North Windham Union Church. Tickets for this event are $12 and may be purchased at the door. There is no snow date scheduled.
Proceeds from the 7 p.m. concert will go to the University Singers’ trip to Ireland and England in May.
Performers include Matthew Small and Lori L’Italien of Boston, Massachusetts; Rachel Scala of Windham, Maine; Stephanie Hayward Davis of South Portland, Maine; and Caroline Musica Koelker of Portland, Maine.
The program will include classical selections, musical theatre pieces and original songs. Laura Artesani, associate professor in UMaine’s Division of Music, is the accompanist for the University Singers, UMaine’s 68-member select choral ensemble.
“Anyone who has been a member of the University Singers knows that our motto is ‘once a Singer, always a Singer,’” says Artesani. “These five alumni are living proof of that.
“I am very excited to be part of this benefit concert with these incredibly talented performers,” Artesani says. “They were all gifted singers during their years at the University of Maine, and it has been very gratifying to watch them continue to perform and develop their musical careers. They are generously donating their time and talent to help provide current UMaine students with the opportunity to experience a European concert tour as part of the University Singers. As alumni of this ensemble, each of them realizes what a powerful and life-changing experience this is.”
Francis John Vogt, current conductor of the University Singers, and Dennis Cox, former conductor of the ensemble, also will take the stage at the concert.
The University Singers are scheduled to perform five concerts in Ireland and England May 24–June 4. The group also will have a week-long concert tour throughout the northeastern U.S. in March, and concerts at UMaine April 2 at 7:30 p.m., and April 3 at 2 p.m.