Angela Brown and Kevin Deas bring George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess to life at Verizon Amphitheater July 20
Pacific Symphony will take on some of George Gershwin’s classic jazz hits this summer during the Mercedes-Benz presented Summer Festival 2014 with “Gershwin’s Greats.” Enjoy a night under the stars with timeless jazz pieces performed by the Pacific Symphony and incredible special guests on July 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Irvine.
“Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess can be a more vocally challenging theatrical concert to sing than most Operas,” explains Internationally acclaimed American lead bass-baritones singer Kevin Deas. “Most of the concert the vocalist must perform Porgy’s part on their knees, which makes it more demanding on the performer.”
Gershwin was a composer who took Broadway by storm with his work defining the Americana Era by selling out opera houses and concert halls. The concert is spotlighting his strive for always challenging himself by creating outstanding pieces ranging from different styles.
The classic Americana program which is led by Music Director Carl St.Clair will perform some of Gershwin’s greatest pieces such as “Rhapsody In Blue,” “An American In Paris,” “Porgy and Bess,” and “Strike Up The Band.”
“St.Clair really knows his American composers and their compositions,” said Deas. “I have performed the part of Porgy with many symphonies around the world and no conductor is more connected with Americana music.”
This night will also feature special guests to perform with the Pacific Symphony such as Jeffrey Biegel who is considered to be one of the greatest pianists of our time. He has received critical acclaim and praise all over the world for his amazing technique.
Singer Angela Brown who has sheer vocal power and is the ideal Americano dramatic soprano for the part will perform the soprano voice of Bess.
“I am so excited to be sharing the stage again with Angela in the part of Bess,” exclaimed Deas. “What an amazing force of singing. She is a real treasure in this performance!”