SATURDAY 6/8: Rogers & Williams Classical Concert at ESO Live

Saturday, June 8, at 8 p.m., ESO Arts Center presents “Poetry in Songs and Airs”: A Classical Concert with Richard Williams & BJ Rogers accompanied by pianist Stefan Dulcie.

B.J. Rogers and Richard Williams

This ESO LIVE! program delivers an exceptional opportunity to revel in the passion, the power of classical music shared in the intimate, candlelight of the art center’s music room turned cabaret.

The soaring voices of bass-baritone Richard Williams and soprano B.J. Rogers will fill the night with the magic of Mozart, Verdi, Bellini, Barber, Vaughan-Williams and Gershwin. Delight to a captivating array of art songs, arias and musical theater solos and duets.

Williams has studied voice for 27 years.  His career includes performances in the San Francisco bay area’s West Bay Opera, Lamplighters, and numerous concerts in Golden Gate Park.  His recent roles on the Shore include Willy Wonka and Fagin in “Oliver”, as well as El Gallo in “The Fantastiks,” Peter in “Hansel and Gretel” with the Franktown Players. He continues his music studies with professional opera singers Sondra Gelb and Robynne Redmon.

Singing since childhood, B.J. Rogers was a member of the Franktown United Methodist Church Choir while under the direction of Catherine Parker.  Later, she sang with The Seventeens.  Her career includes singing and acting in the Traveler Plays with Judi Traci.  Most recently she sang the role of Mother in “Hansel and Gretel”.  She also studies voice with Gelb and Redmon.

Rogers and Williams will be accompanied by accomplished pianist Stefan Dulcie, a Julliard graduate who holds a B.M. and M.M. in piano performance. Locally Dulcie has graced ESO Arts Center with a long tenure as a piano and strings instructor.

Saturday’s performance is designed for both the connoisseurs of classical and anyone wanting to experience the enchantment of this romantic musical genre. It is sponsored by local arts champions: J.T. Holland State Farm Insurance.

$15 — Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and music begins at 8 p.m. Reservations recommended. [email protected], 757-442-3226. Wine, beer, soda, and snacks are available for sale before and during intermission.