THE METROPOLITAN CHORUS

“Testing the Waters” Concert

     The Metropolitan Chorus opened its 50^th anniversary season on November 1 at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Arlington. The organization’s new artistic director and conductor, Dr. Nancia D’Alimonte led the 60 plus member group in a program called “Testing the Waters.” The concert began and ended with an African Processional entitled “Welcome My Friends.” The singers were accompanied by pianist Terry Sisk. Also featured were soloist Don Dosch, percussionist Sidonie Wade, violinists David Brown and Gray Dickerson and cellist Paul Marshall. The next two concerts are December 5 and December 13, both at the church. They are free and open to the public. For more information check the Chorus website at www.metchorus.org.

MOSAIC THEATER COMPANY - - “Unexplored Interior”

Mosaic Theater Company, began its inaugural season with a show called “Unexplored Interior.” It’s about the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda in 1994 and the world’s reluctance to intervene. Playing at the Atlas Performing Arts Center at 1333 H St. NE, over a dozen actors are thrust back to 1994 where playwright Jay Sanders said, “Humanity slipped through the cracks.”  This is a riveting yet disturbing play, directed by Derek Goldman,  calling into question, “How could this happen with the world watching?”  If “Unexplored Interior” is an example of what we have to look forward to by Mosaic Theater Company and its founding artistic director Ari Roth, I can hardly wait. The show plays through November 29. For information and tickets, call 202-399-7993, ext. 2 and check the website at www.MosaicTheater.org.

METROPOLITAN OPERA simulcast of Richard Wagner’s “Tannhäusen”

     Last weekend the Metropolitan Opera of New York simulcast a beautiful production of Richard Wagner’s “Tannhäusen” with James Levine conducting the Met Orchestra. The simulcast took place at Potomac Yards Regal Theatres in Alexandria. Tannhausen (John Botha) has spent a year in the underground world of Venus, god of love (Michelle de Young) but yearns to return to the real world and his former love, Elizabeth (Eva-Maria Westbrooke). He does return, but complications arise and he is sent away to Rome for forgiveness. Particular nod of appreciation to costume designer Patricia Zipprodt and choreographer Norbert Vesak. The next simulcast from the Met is November 21 with Alban Berg’s “Lulu” with soprano in the title role. For more information and tickets, check the website at www.fathomevents.com. Tickets are very reasonable.