Opera star to broaden scale with show tunes
From Gershwin to Puccini. That's the spread Friday night's "Intimate Evening with Levi Hernandez" promises to cover.
The concert will take place at 8 p.m. in the candlelit setting of the Metropolis Ballroom, 6 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights.
"We plan to vary the program, and keep it light," says Hernandez, a Chicago Lyric Opera member making his first appearance at the Metropolis. "It's a chance to stretch and perform different genres."
His performance also represents something of a stretch for Metropolis officials, who have hosted guest artists from the world of television and Broadway since they opened in 2000, but never a rising opera star.
"It's an exciting evening for anyone who loves music," says Jim Jarvis, Metropolis spokesman. "You'll hear a wide range of musical selections, but sung in this amazing baritone voice."
Levi Hernandez is a regular performer at the Lyric Opera of Chicago who brings his rich baritone voice and repertoire mixed with Gershwin and Sondheim to the intimate confines of the Metropolis Ballroom.
Performing before an audience seated at small tables, in a cabaret-like setting, Hernandez will be joined by guest soprano, Lauren Curnow and accompanied by Luciano Laurentiu on piano.
Hernandez and Curnow met in Philadelphia, where he completed his master's degree at the Academy of Vocal Arts, while she studied at somewhat of a rival school, the Curtis Music Institute.
They found common ground, however, volunteering for an opera outreach program that traveled to schools in Philadelphia.
As their careers have taken off, they still find time to perform together, Hernandez says.
"We have great chemistry together," he says. "She's a wonderful performer."
Rounding out the evening is the unlimited talents of Laurentiu, a native of Romania, who studied at the Tanglewood Institute and the Eastman School of Music.
He performs across the country as an accompanist, as well as a vocal coach. Locally, he performs with the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra, as well as at recitals around Chicago. He's headlined an organ concert at Holy Name Cathedral.
Look for him to add some surprises at the concert, with his musicianship on the piano, as well as his singing ability.
"We're looking forward to a more laid back performance," Hernandez says, "where we can be much closer to the audience."
If you go
What: "An Intimate Evening With Levi Hernandez"
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: Metropolis Ballroom, 6 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights
Cost: $35
More information: (847) 577-2121 or visit metropolisarts.com