Fine Art Series Inspires with Two Magnificent Opera Shows

Hélène Rainville

Two free shows were sponsored by FSU’s Fine Art Series to promote it to our community, our students and young people. Opera is considered an elitist art, a fine art. However, in an intimate setting like the Pate Room, you can see and hear the performers like they were singing to you in your living room.

Tavicque Stewert and Angela Brown October 15, 2015.

Soprano Angela Brown performed at the Cumberland County Library on October 5^th. Opera from a Sistah’s Point of View is a show created by the world-renowned singer. She combines Black classics with Verdi. She flows from exquisite Italian and French and back into her Black roots. Her stage presence is so phenomenal; you can barely believe that this is a not-for-profit performance because if you had to see her at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City, most of us could not afford to hear her.

Yet Do I Marvel: American Song Recital features Darryl Taylor, countertenor. If you do not know what a countertenor is, think Smokey Robinson. The only difference is that instead of singing Soul, Darryl mesmerized us with the depth of his experience on January 25^th. A countertenor is the equivalent of a female soprano. Popular centuries ago, these voices are being revived in opera although many R&B singers and Rock crooners are often heard on the radio hitting the high notes. He also sings in French and speaks impeccable French.

Tavicque Stewart and Darryl Taylor January 25, 2015.

Both operatic stars sing on famous stages around the world but they wanted to share their love of opera with people who may not get the opportunity to see opera in person. One such person is Tavicque Stewart, a ninth-grader at Jack Britt High School. Tavicque played the wolf in his New York school’s stage version of Into the Woods. He then followed that up with “In Summer”, the Snowman’s song from the movie Frozen last year.

After the performances, Ms. Baker and Mr. Taylor posed for pictures with audience members and signed autographs. FSU’s Fine Arts Series impacts young students who come with their parents or grandparents. It touches the hearts and evolves the minds of those who benefit from an afternoon at the Library. Ms. Baker made a point of telling us that in other countries, governments fund opera so that so many more people can enjoy it but here in the United States, opera relies on charity, which diminished the opportunity for the public at large.