04/13/07

THE GODDESS CONCERT
at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

Don't Miss Second Chance to Hear Fine Concert

Bob Goepfert
The Record

TROY—There are few things more satisfying than a chance to make up for a missed opportunity.

For instance, last Friday night, Leona Mitchell, one of opera's great Iyric sopranos, was one of four performers in The Goddess Concert at the Troy Savings Bank Musical Hall. The concert offered music from Broadway, opera and cabaret and was a gentle night of relaxing fun.

But too few people were on hand to appreciate the event. The good news is Mitchell is returning to the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall on Saturday, April 28, for another concert.

On Friday, Mitchell appeared with Sarah Rice, Rob Barefield and Lumeri Tubo. Rice, who is perhaps best known for creating the role of Joanna in Stephen Sondheim's "Sweeney Todd," will also return on the 28th.

Appearing with them will be Broadway veterans Hal Robinson ("Cabaret," "Nick and Nora," "On Your Toes") and Terry Rakov ("Hello Dolly," "Zorba," "The Grand Tour").

Last week, Mitchell nearly stole the show with her second-act solo work. The diva's performances of Puccini's "Vissi D'Arte" from "Tosca" and "Pace pace mio Dio" from Verdi's "La Forza del Destino" provided the most electrifying moments of the evening.

The arias were brilliantly served by her near-perfect Iyric-soprano voice, but just as important was the flawless dramatic intensity of her delivery. Mitchell provided a concise introduction to each piece that prepared the audience for what was to follow and made even non-opera audience members comfortable.

An unexpected highlight of the night was Mitchell letting down her hair to offer a spirited rendition of "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands." It was fun to both hear and see the lighter side of the personality-endowed Mitchell.

However, Mitchell did not have the only memorable moments. Lumiri Tubo, a talented young woman with a mostly cabaret background had the audience near tears with "If I Could," which was offered as an ode to her 10-year old daughter. It was magical.

Other highlights were Sarah Rice showing great vocal chops with a knockout version of the demanding "Voci di Primavera" by J. Strauss, and Rob Barefield using his rich baritone to find every bit of sentiment in "This Nearly Was Mine," from Rodgers and Hammerstein's "South Pacific."

One of the joys of the concert was hearing these great talents without amplification in the acoustically perfect Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. Supporting them was William Lewis on piano, and as with the great vocalists he accompanied, he made his instrument a thing of beauty.

If you missed Friday's concert, try to atone on April 28. After all, how often do we get a second chance? For tickets, call (518) 273-0038.