Published: October 24, 2006 09:32 am            

Rising opera star to join Derby City Chorus for concert

The Richmond Area Arts Council will present a 3 p.m. opera and choral concert Sunday as part of its popular Stained Glass Series.

Rising opera star Mela Dailey will join Louisville's Derby City Chorus for a special double-bill presentation at the First Presbyterian Church, 330 West Main St., Richmond.

RAAC’s Stained Glass Series has brought outstanding solo instrumentalists, as well as chamber and choral ensembles to Richmond, said Anne Deck, RAAC executive director.

Mela Dailey, a Metropolitan Opera district winner and regional finalist, was named the recipient of the National Federation of Music Club’s Young Artist Award in 2005.

“This versatile songstress has received accolades for her talents in a variety of genres, including opera and jazz.  In 2003, she made her professional debut at the world-famous Carnegie Hall,” Deck said.

“Four-time international award winners, Louisville’s all-female Derby City Chorus, showcases a cappella artistry at its finest,” she said. “Choreography uniquely complements the tight vocal harmonies of the Derby City Chorus, as movements are interwoven throughout each performance alongside solos and informative commentary.”

Since 1989, the Richmond Area Arts Council has worked to promote the arts by presenting a diversity of performances and arts education programming.

Proceeds from the concert series will help build the RAAC Annex, expanding the organization’s facilities so it can accommodate more arts education classes, workshops and concerts.

To reserve tickets for the concert, call 624-4242.

General admission is $14 (with a 10 percent discount for RAAC members) and $7 for students.

RAAC will celebrate election night, Nov. 7, with a satirical New York cabaret act called “The Lascivious Biddes.”

“The witty biddies kitsch cabaret performance” will begin at 8 p.m. in the Keen Johnson Ball Room at Eastern Kentucky University, Deck said.

Tickets for this performance are $14 with a 10 percent discount for RAAC members. EKU students will be admitted free with their student IDs.

The Kentucky Arts Council, a state agency in the Commerce Cabinet, along with the National Endowment for the Arts, has provided funding for the Oct. 29 concert. Additional support has been provided by the Cecilian Music Club and by David and Laura Steidle of Richmond.

        

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