GOLD RUSH! GALA – SBCS 65th ANNIVERSARY
April 20, 2013
Composer Kurt Weill’s first operetta, “Down in the Valley” was a melodrama set in the Old West. On April 20, 2013 the Santa Barbara Choral Society interpreted this tale of star-crossed lovers as a highlight of its gala fundraiser at the Carriage and Western Art Museum of Santa Barbara. Arts patrons Marilyn and Dick Mazess were the Honorary Chairs for the event whose theme, “Gold Rush!” was inspired by the operetta.
The party began with signature cocktails served in Mason jars and lots of gossip from all the townspeople from “the Valley.” A performance of “Down in the Valley” with chorus, four soloists and a “sheriff” on horseback, was led by Choral Society Artistic Director Jo Anne Wasserman. Passed appetizers as well as dinner was cooked on site by one of the most renowned Western Barbeque chefs in the region, Cowboy Flavors’ Billy Ruiz. Wines were provided by Curtis Winery. Line dancing, led by professional caller John Ryan, had guests on their feet till the saloon closed. The event also included a live auction and fundraiser for the SBCS’ holiday 2013 move to the historic Lobero Theater.
Hats off to the planning committee!
American baritone, Ralph Cato has travelled the world extensively, telling stories in song with his warm, clarion baritone voice.
Tenor, Benjamin Brecher has performed over fifty operatic roles with many of the world’s most prestigious opera companies, specializing in the high lying lyric tenor repertoire. He has performed 16 roles with New York City Opera alone. Career highlights include performances with Opera Orchestra of New York, L’Opera de Nice, Rossini Opera Festival in Pesaro, L’Opera de Montreal, Santa Fe Opera, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, among many others. His orchestral solo repertoire includes Mozart, Handel, Orff, Bach, Haydn, as well as many performances of Britten. In 2000 he began performing the great Irish Tenor songs in a concert produced for him entitled A Celtic Celebration, Twenty years later, the show has become a North American hit with performances with 45 Symphonies in North America. Ben continues his discography having added his twelfth recording in 2016 Forgotten Liszt, with pianist Robert Koenig, and will record a new release in 2022 entitled “Three Centuries of Thomas Moore” including the music of Britten, Berlioz, and Sarah Gibson on MSR Classics. He is a Professor of Voice at University of California Santa Barbara, where he has served as the Head of Voice.
Tracy Van Fleet is pleased to return to the Santa Barbara Choral Society. As a soloist, she has performed with the Los Angeles Master Chorale, Lüneburg Symphony in Germany, Orquesta Filarmónica de Boca del Río in Mexico, Pasadena Symphony, Naples Philharmonic, Los Angeles Bach Festival, San Diego Chamber Orchestra, Colorado Philharmonic, USC Symphony and Chorus, and others. She has had many appearances with the Los Angeles Opera, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Pacific Symphony, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Opera Pacific, San Diego Opera and Opera Colorado.
Born and raised in Southern California, April Amante is a versatile soprano with expertise and facility in repertoire spanning from early music to contemporary musical theater.