Miami native Russell Thomas returns to the concert stage in a recital accompanied by Orchestra Miami’s artistic director Elaine Rinaldi at the piano.
In his first appearance in Miami since his triumphant win at the Francisco Viñas Competition in Barcelona, Spain, Thomas and Rinaldi will present a program of music by Beethoven, Griffes, Verdi, Donaudy, Tosti, Britten and Vaughan Williams.
“I first met Russell when he was a student at the New World School for the Arts,” Rinaldi said. “I have taken great pleasure in watching Russell grow as an artist, and I’m thrilled to be able to bring him home to perform for the Miami public.”
The recital will be on Saturday, May 14, 8 p.m., at the First Presbyterian Church of Miami, 609 Brickell Ave. Tickets are priced at $40 for priority seating, $30 for general admission seating, $20 for seniors and $10 for students. A special reception with the artists will be held immediately following the recital in the Fellowship Hall, proceeds of which ($20 per person) go to the benefit of Orchestra Miami.
Tickets for the recital and reception can be purchased online through Orchestra Miami’s website (www.OrchestraMiami.org) or by calling 305-274-2103. This recital is one of the events celebrating 115 years of service from the First Presbyterian Church of Miami (www.fpcmiami.org).
A native of Miami, Thomas quickly is establishing himself as one of the most exciting vocal and dramatic talents on the international opera and concert scene, most recently as the First-Prize winner of the prestigious “Viñas Competition” in Barcelona (First Prize, Audience Favorite and Best Tenor) and at the “Competizione dell’Opera” in Dresden. He has sung at many of the world’s most important opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera (Tamino in Magic Flute; Steuerman in Der Fliegende Hollander; Forresto in Attila; Andres in Wozzeck), Oper Frankfurt (Faust in Berlioz’s Damnation of Faust), Welsh National Opera (Pinkerton in Madame Butterfly; Tamino in Magic Flute).
Conductor Rinaldi is fast making her mark among the ranks of rising young American conductors. Critics have called her performances “brilliant” and her interpretative work “impeccable.” As founder and artistic director of Orchestra Miami, Rinaldi has brought a new level of professionalism and quality to the local arts scene. In addition to her work with Orchestra Miami, Rinaldi is much in demand as a recitalist and vocal coach.
Founded in 2006 by Rinaldi, Orchestra Miami quickly has established itself as an important part of Miami’s vibrant cultural community. In its brief history, Orchestra Miami has presented the finest in classical symphonic, Latin jazz and opera, with some of the most important and recognized names in the world of music.
For more information about this recital and the orchestra, visit the website at www.OrchestraMiami.org.
I've got my ticket : ) I can't wait.
I'm looking for some accomodation near by. My usual hotel of choice is the Grand Beach Hotel http://www.miamihotelgrandbeach.com/ but maybe I need somewhere a little closer?