The Washington Arts Ensemble Presents:

A Vocal Valentine's

Saturday, February 11, 2023

11:30 am  -  1:30 pm

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Public (non-members) tickets: Buy Now!

Join renowned duo, Soprano Danielle Talamantes and Bass-Baritone Kerry Wilkerson for an evening of operatic delights, celebrating Valentine’s Day with the romance of Mozart's arias, the familiarity of Rodgers and Hammerstein songs, the American spirit of Duke Ellington, and a newly composed jazz ensemble by Bob Misbin. Escorting us on a tour through the ages, Danielle and Kerry, in collaboration with pianist and cofounder Christopher Schmitt, will highlight the uniquely expressive qualities of the voice across the full gamut of roles, flirtatious coquetry, possessive jealousy, passionate desperation, and the sublime tranquility of love's true understanding.

Reception begins at 11:30 am, followed by the concert at 12:00 pm.

Washington Classical Review:

"Washington Arts Ensemble flourishes with new downtown series

While some established arts organizations struggled to survive the coronavirus lockdowns, other new ones found their niche. Washington Arts Ensemble, founded in 2021 just before the Omicron wave of the pandemic, took a gamble on live performance and continues to thrive. The latest in its series of monthly concerts took place Thursday night in the intimate performance space of the Arts Club of Washington.

Anecdotal reports from presenters and listeners around the Washington area indicate that attendance at classical music events has still not returned to pre-pandemic levels. It seems likely that a small series may have an edge over its larger competitors, by keeping costs low and operations flexible. The venue’s parlor, named after the building’s most famous occupant, President James Monroe, seats only about 90 people.

The group’s founders, pianists Natalia Kazaryan and Christopher Schmitt, each presided over a program half. The ensemble’s events feature receptions with wine and food before and after the performance. This was a controversial choice when the group launched, just as some organizations were canceling live events again, but the audience was primed and enthusiastic, especially when given spoken program notes about the pieces by both pianists."

Price of the ticket includes reception with wine bar & hors d'oeuvres.