Tantalizing opera program previews CIM's spring program

Min-Kyeomg Kim sings Adele’s laughing song during the FYI:Opera program April 2 at Porter Library. Photo by Betty Lou Curatolo.

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Four strong voices performing arias from a mixed bouquet of operas impressed an audience of over 50 people, at Westlake Porter Public Library on April 2. The talented Cleveland Institute of Music students were accompanied by David Bamberger, artistic director of the CIM Opera Theater, who narrated the program, and accompanied by music director John Simmons at the piano.

Singing the Fire aria from Ravel’s "The Child and the Enchantments," soprano Min-Kyeomg Kim portrayed the angry child with great vitality. When she later sang the chambermaid Adele’s laughing song from "Die Fledermaus," she was joined by the other three singers, who expertly supported her captivating portrayal and lovely voice.

Baritone Brian Myer sang arias of love from two different operas. From Donizetti’s "The Elixir of Love" he was the voice of Belcore, a soldier who is attracted to a young girl. He also sang convincingly the Harlequin’s song from Richard Strauss’ "Ariadne auf Naxos," as he attempted to persuade a girl to concentrate on thoughts of love.

Sarah Mossman’s beautiful soprano voice and expressive delivery of the Silver aria from "The Ballad of Baby Doe" was a delight. And her presentation of "Glitter and be Gay" from Leonard Bernstein’s "Candide" was outstanding.

Tenor David Fair captured the audience with his rendition of Beppe’s aria from "Pagliacci." But his enactment of Kleinzach, the grotesque dwarf from Offenbach’s "Tales of Hoffman," which was accompanied by the other three singers, closed this outstanding program with great flair.

The program was part of the FYI: Opera series which the Westlake-Westshore Arts Council sponsors and offers free to the public.

The April 2 program was an inviting sample of CIM’s fully costumed production Opera Scenes, which will be performed April 19, 20 and 21 at CIM in University Circle. Information and tickets for CIM’s production are available at cim.edu/events/tickets.php or 216-791-5000, ext. 411.