The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
‘An Opera, a Debut, a Premiere’ all in ONE Saturday
NEW HAVEN » Orchestra New England’s latest concert promises variety, a world premiere and a cool update for those who appreciate student-mentor stories.
Yale University alum Perry So will guest conduct Orchestra New England in “A Night of Firsts: an Opera, a Debut, a Premiere” Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at United Church on the Green (270 Temple St.).
Now an internationally touring conductor, So’s relationship with ONE began in 2002 when he was a sophomore at Yale and interested in conducting. He was introduced to orchestra founder James Sinclair and began training with the Charles Ives scholar. So started the Saybrook College Orchestra, an undergrad group, and continued to study with Sinclair, who followed So’s rehearsals and concerts.
So eventually earned his graduate degree from the Peabody Conservatory of Music and today has conducted far and wide, with recordings made in Europe and South Africa.
He will make a rare guest-conducting appearance for ONE, presenting Igor Stravinsky’s one-act chamber opera “Renard,” featuring four members of the Yale Opera program who performed this weekend in “Cosi Fan Tutte” at Shubert Theatre; dances from Jean-Philippe Rameau’s 1770 opera “Les Boreades”; Edgar Varese’s colorful “Octandre”; and a world-premiere performance of Connecticut composer Joseph Russo’s “New England Portrait.”
“Perry and I share an attitude of positive relationship with musicians,” said Sinclair in a release. “He has known ONE now for a dozen years and understands our very special internal relationship. Perry is a brilliant fellow, a great musician and an exciting and inspiring presence on the podium.”
Russo’s “New England Portrait” is the latest of more than 10 pieces show-
cased by Sinclair’s orchestra — described as a “continuous, emotive, multisectional one-movement work portraying people, places and events significant in Russo’s life.” Russo’s connection to ONE? Russo has performed with ONE since 1976 and is principal bassist.
The four members of Yale Opera who are performing are tenors Andrés Moreno García and Luis Aguilar Regalado, baritone Zachary Johnson and bass Stephen Clark.
Tickets are $35 reserved seating, $20 general admission and $5 student rush tickets at the door. There will be a complimentary reception following the concert. For tickets and information, visit orchestranewengland.org or call 203-777-4690.