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Bethel Resident Performs Opera In NYC With Connecticut Choral Society

BETHEL, Conn. --  Bethel resident Lori McHugh, along with the rest of the members of the Connecticut Choral Society (CCS), will collaborate with New York's Teatro Grattacielo for a concert production of Vittorio Gnecchi's opera "Cassandra" on Saturday, Oct. 8, at the Gerald Lynch Theater at John Jay College in New York City.

The Connecticut Choral Society's Music Director Eric Dale Knapp  with Lori McHugh

The Connecticut Choral Society's Music Director Eric Dale Knapp with Lori McHugh

Photo Credit: contributed
Lori McHugh

Lori McHugh

Photo Credit: contributed

CCS will be joined by the New Jersey Choral Society (NJCS) and the NJCS Festival Youth Chorus in the upcoming concert.

McHugh, who currently serves as CCS’s publicity coordinator, said what she enjoys most about being a member of the choral ensemble "is the thrilling sensation of being part of something that’s bigger than yourself by being in such unity with fellow singers, both in the music itself and in the desire to create something of beauty for our audiences."

She said there have been many highlights of singing with CCS, including international singing engagements in London, Vienna, Australia, and France, and singing a number of times at Carnegie Hall.

"Additionally, I’ve been privileged to sing in our benefit concerts to raise funds and awareness for Danbury’s Samaritan Center (free pediatric clinic), Danbury’s Family and Children’s Aid Center, and a free concert (titled "In Memoriam") in Newtown for the comfort of the families, aid workers, and general population of Newtown after the tragedy there," McHugh said.

"Cassandra," a rarely performed work, is believed to be the inspiration for Richard Strauss’ opera "Elektra," according to a release from CCS.

The Connecticut Choral Society, based in Southbury, with auditioned singers hailing from 20 towns, has been named one of the top five choral ensembles in the state.

Founded in 1980, CCS is known for its concert excellence, both in the United States and internationally, the release said.

This season marks the 10th anniversary of the leadership of the ensemble’s conductor Eric Dale Knapp.

Teatro Grattacielo, a New York City-based professional opera company, founded in 1994 by current artistic director Duane Printz, specializes in concert performances of rarely heard Italian operas.

Saturday's performance will be conducted by maestro Israel Gursky.

Advance tickets are $25 and $50. For more information, visit www.grattacielo.org. Tickets are available at www.ticketcentral.com.

The concert will begin at 8 p.m.

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