“A Lauritz Melchior Tribute” 

younger folks, trust me, years ago nobody was bigger than Melchior at the Metropolitan Opera or anywhere else. The Washington National Wagner Society and well-known area artistic director and classical music expert, Darryl Winston, presented the tribute headed by Melchior biographer and music instructor, Shirlee Emmons. After a talk with highlights of Melchior’s career, three top area classical singers entertained: Paula Goodman Wilder, Paul McIlvaine and Cynthia Ballentine---with Michael Crabill at the piano. A film montage of Melchior’s career followed. All in all, it was another charming evening put on by Mr. Winston and Wagner Society’s president, Janice Rosen.  

“Evenings in Bayreuth”

      Artistic and musical director Darryl Winston presented an evening of Richard Wagner’s music, “Evenings in Bayreuth,” featuring The Wagner Symphonette and Vocal Ensemble on Sat., May 31 at the Calvary Baptist Church, 755 – 8^th St. NW in the District. Maestro Winston is carrying on the tradition of the original Wagner Society which started in 1884. He’s restoring the “bel canto” style, which is a softer version of the music, in keeping with Wagner’s idea. Joining conductor Winston were over a dozen top opera singers from the metropolitan area performing portions of “The Flying Dutchman,” “Tannhauser,” “Die Walkure,” “Tristan and Isolde,” “Das Rheingold” and more. I’m sorry time doesn’t permit mentioning the exceptional talent individually.  

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      Rich Massabny

       Arlington Weekly News TV