The Cardinal

Showcase Singers to Join Skagit Opera and Symphony

Sinclair Hucke
Staff Writer

The Skagit Opera has paired with the Skagit Symphony, opening its 30th Anniversary season, and included The Skagit Valley College Showcase Singers for one night to honor light classics in opera. “A Night at the Opera” will be a showcase of classic operatic songs, most of which are well known if not by title, then certainly by ear. The best love songs from famous operas and a few serious compositions are included in the line up. Though the Skagit Opera and Skagit Symphony often work together, this is the first time that a group from Skagit Valley College will be joining them on stage. The Skagit Valley College Showcase Singers are a small ensemble group made up of students who share a love for vocal performance. Pairing with The Skagit Opera chorus is an opportunity for these musicians to observe and participate in a professional setting. The two choirs will come together to form a forty-five voice chorus on the night of October 17th at 7:30 p.m. and the following afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at McIntyre Hall. Tickets can be bought at www.mcintyrehall.org, and range from $22 to $35, for the coveted box seats.
There will be solos from Skagit Valley’s music director Diane Johnson, as well as a reunion between teacher and student as Gwendolyn Lytle joins her on stage for a duet. Johnson studied under Lytle at Pomona College, where Lytle still lends her talents as a Professor of Music.
The Skagit Opera and Skagit Symphony are both non-profit organizations who run on the support from those in the community. Unfortunately, the economy has hurt local non-profit groups including the Skagit Opera this year. As a result they have had to reduce their shows from the usual three a year, to only two. Joining forces lessened the financial burden on each group in order to create a wonderful night for all.
“They put together a concert that has something for every opera and music lover,” said Johnson. “People will recognize a lot of the tunes.”