The Grand Montgomery Chamber Music Series opens the 2019-20 season, its 33rd, on Sunday afternoon, with music by Steve Margoshes and Ada Janik Margoshes, Pianists / Composers; Julie Ziavras, Soprano and Elex Lee Vann, Baritone.
Best known as the composer of “Fame - the Musical,” Steve Margoshes has written for theatre, symphony, ballet, rock recordings and songs in various styles. His past collaborators include Jim Rado and Jerry Ragni (authors of Hair) as well as William Shakespeare (Steve composed a musical version of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” using Shakespeare’s text verbatim as both book & lyrics).
Soprano Julie Ziavras is known for her diversity of styles, ranging from opera, Broadway standards and classical art song to contemporary and traditional folk, Greek and international ballads. Classically trained, she is known for her ability to infuse a classical technique with popular and folk generes. Julie holds Bachelor and Masters degrees from the Manhattan School of Music and has coached and performed with Metropolitan Opera maestros including Gildo Di Nunzio, George Schick and Alberta Masiello. She has performed in concert, on radio and TV in the US and abroad and has been a featured artist at international song festivals.
Described as “an estimable vocalist” (New York Times), her roles include Mimi (La Boheme), Rosalinda (Die Fledermaus), La Perichole (title role), the Countess (Le nozze di Figaro), Kate (Kiss Me Kate) and Julie (Show Boat). Active as a versatile chamber musician, interpreter of sacred music and recitalist, her appearances include Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall, Lincoln Center’s Bruno Walter Hall, Symphony Space Theater, Festival Theatre of New York, World Music Institute, Guggenheim Museum Soho, Alternative Museum, Bodles Opera House, Puffin Cultural Forum, Grand Montgomery Chamber Music Series, Warwick Master Arts Series, and as soloist with the Newburgh Symphony Orhestra, Manhattan Camerata Orchestra, WBAI, WNYC, and WJFF, among others.
A renowned opera singer and teacher, Elex Lee Vann has sung opera in Europe, including at LaScala in Milan and at the Opera Bastille in Paris. In the United States he has performed in Porgy and Bess, La Boheme, Magic Flute and many others. Favorite roles include Joe in Showboat and Jim in Big River. Elex’s passion for music is evident through his teaching and singing. He is founder and co-owner of Sing from the Heart Music Studio in Newburgh. To learn more about Elex visit his website, edvsingheart.com.
The Grand Montgomery Chamber Music Series started in 1987 with its founder, bass/baritone opera singer Howard Garrett who kept classical music alive for 31 years (1987 – 2018). After his retirement, his successor Aleksander Vezuli, composer/producer and music teacher continued his journey by setting up concerts, where great musicians around the world perform.
The concert will take place at 3 p.m. Sept. 22 on the Garrett Concert Stage at the Village of Montgomery Senior Center, 36 Bridge Street. Admission, as always, is free.