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On the ride over to Maryland Hall, she told me “The first time I saw ‘Aida' was in 1968, in Paris, and Leontyne Price sang the lead.”
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It's hard to follow that act, whether you're in Annapolis or Milan. But to say we were pleasantly surprised by the performance that night is a huge understatement. From the moment the curtain went up at 8 p.m. sharp to the last time it fell on the bowing performers, we were wiping tears from our eyes and rubbing goose bumps on our arms. The performance was spectacular, and the only negative I can think of is that it was a one night only performance.
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The next weekend we attended the Lyric Opera's staging of “La Boheme,” another favorite. With an international cast, I expected a bit more out of this grand staging. But as I was paging through the program notes I realized that the soprano singing the part of Musetta, Colleen Daly, had recently performed with the Annapolis Opera in their production of “The Marriage of Figaro.” When I pointed this out to my mother, she acted as if there was no reason why I should be surprised.
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“Excellent things come out of Annapolis,” she said.
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Indeed, they do.
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There are a host of excellent events coming up for the classical music buff, from candlelight Messiahs to courtyard quartets. Even if you're more prone to buy tickets to Rams Head than you are to Maryland Hall, you'll be missing out on some spectacular performances if you don't see at least one of these this season. Better buy your tickets in advance.
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Voices of Light with the Annapolis Chorale, November 8th and 9th at Maryland Hall
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Kent Chamber Music presents Edatante, the harp duo. November 17th at St. Paul's Parish in Chestertown.
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Handel's Messiah by Candlelight at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, December 15th, 16th, and 17th
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Tidewater Singers present Vivaldi's ‘Gloria' December 16th at Christ Episcopal Church in Cam idge
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The All Children's Chorus of Annapolis performs at the Lighting of the US Naval Academy Alumni Association's Christmas Tree
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Handel's Messiah performed by the USNA Glee Club, ASO, and soloists from the Metropolitan Opera
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Duo Transatlantique at the Mainstay in Rock Hall, December 2nd.
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Harford Choral Society's Holiday Concert at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Bel Air, December 15th.
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A Chester River Holiday Cele ation November 30 and December 2
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Annapolis Chamber Players' Candlelight Concert December 1st at the Charles Carrol House.
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