MANALAPAN — The Manalapan Symphony will begin its 2008-09 concert season on Dec. 7 at 3 p.m. at Manalapan High School, Church Lane. Internationally renowned tenor Eduardo Villa will join the orchestra to perform operatic favorites and seasonal selections.
“We are delighted to be able to work with a performer of Eduardo’s caliber,” said music director Michael Avagliano, in his second season with the Manalapan Symphony. “To have someone so well-known on the international music scene taking the stage with us is exciting, to say the least.”
Villa, a Manalapan resident, is becoming known around the world for his talent as an operatic tenor. He has performed with the Metropolitan Opera, the Paris Opera, Deutsche Oper Berlin, and Houston Grand Opera, to name a few. Immediately prior to his performance on Dec. 7, he will be in Australia singing in a production of “Aida.”
On the stage at Manalapan High School, Villa will sing some of the world’s bestloved arias, including “Nessun dorma” from “Turandot” and “Che gelida manina” from “La Boheme.”
The symphony will also perform works by Leroy Anderson, Ralph Vaughan Williams and selections from Handel’s “Messiah.”
The symphony is made up primarily of volunteer musicians who give their time and effort to put together the concert programs. Rehearsals are weekly, on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.
“We’ve seen a resurgence in interest in the last year,” said Marty Gelfond, a member of the viola section who doubles as the symphony’s manager.
He said the addition of Avagliano as the symphony’s music director and conductor has generated enthusiasm among the musicians.
“Michael brings a very positive outlook to making music and the orchestra has responded to his energy,” Gelfond.
Gelfond said the orchestra is still looking for musicians, especially string players.
“We’re always ready to welcome new members,” he said.
Anyone who is interested in becoming a member of the Manalapan Symphony should call 732-446-8303 for more information.
Manalapan Symphony concerts are funded by the Manalapan Arts Council, as part of the council’s efforts to bring a variety of arts programming to residents, and are free to the public.