Free winter concert series at Villa Assumpta begins Jan. 30
UPDATE: One more concert date has been confirmed since I posted this. I've added that information below.
Here's some nice winter-warming news. A free, mostly classical concert series will begin Jan. 30 and run through March at Villa Assumpta, retirement home for the School Sisters of Notre Dame in Baltimore.
If you'll pardon the personal aside, I have a soft spot for that place. It's where my Aunt Florence -- Sister Baptista -- spent her last years and where she introduced me to Sister Theresine, a musical dynamo who had a long association with the old Baltimore Opera Company before her retirement.
I had some memorable visits there and was always impressed with the atmosphere, the sense of caring, not to mention all the knowledge, experience and ongoing curiosity of the nuns who had devoted their lives to education. I think it's great that the residents will have this musical opportunity and that the public is being welcomed to share it, too.
The Sunday afternoon concert series, called "Hearts for Arts’ Sake," will take place in the Villa's chapel. Organizing the venture is
Violinist Jose Miguel Cueto, concertmaster of the Concert Artists of Baltimore, will give a recital with pianist Nancy Roldan on Feb. 6.
The series continues Feb. 13 with the Ravel Trio: violinist Simon Maurer, cellist Nancy Baun, pianist Daniel Lau. Soprano Karen Myers and baritone Christopher Douglas Rhodovi, accompanied at the piano with Ragogini, will perform on Feb. 20; tenor Thomas Epps, also with Ragogini, on Feb. 27; the flute choir known as Flutopia Baltimore on March 6; Dundalk Star-Spangled Barbershop Chorus on March 13; readings of poetry by the late College of Notre Dame English teacher Sister Maura Eichner on March 20; and a recital with flutist Anna D’Agostino and pianist Suzanne Geyer on March 27.
All performances are at 2 p.m. Villa Assumpta is at 6401 N. Charles St. For more information call 410-532-5386.
FILE PHOTO OF ERNEST RAGOGINI
