If you’re in the Dupont/Logan area and up for some free classical music this Sunday, dramatic soprano Alessandra Marc (accompanied by pianist David Chapman) will be giving a free recital on Sunday, 4PM at The First Baptist Church of Washington, DC at 16th and O Streets NW.
From the official press release:
Well known for her signature performances as Turandot and Aida, Ms. Marc is a frequent guest of the world’s leading opera houses and orchestras, including Opéra Bastille in Paris, La Scala in Milan, the Washington National Opera, the New National Theatre in Tokyo and the Metropolitan Opera, among others.
The recital is the latest in the long-standing tradition of First Baptist Church to offer free music to the community. For more than 50 years, First Baptist Church has hosted an annual candlelight carol concert, inviting Washington-area choirs and audience members to welcome the Christmas season in song. Since early 2008, First Baptist Church has shared its Steinway concert grand piano in free concerts by pianist Thomas Pandolfi and recitals by the vocalists who perform regularly with the church’s Chancel Choir.
Ms. Marc will perform selections from her impressive repertoire, including “Morgen” by Richard Strauss; the aria “Pace, pace mio dio” from Verdi’s La Forza del Destino; and the aria “My Man’s Gone Now” from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess.
Accompanying Ms. Marc will be pianist David Chapman on the Steinway. Mr. Chapman, who studied and performed in Europe for many years, will separately perform three Gershwin preludes and two Chopin waltzes during the recital. He currently serves on the adjunct faculty roster at Landon School in Bethesda and as music director and pianist at Paint Branch Unitarian Universalist Church in Adelphi, Md.
(Full disclosure: I’m a member at First Baptist DC. I also sing bass in the choir and am a big fan of both sopranos and Steinways.)
