The program will open with a flourish, “Flourish for Glorious John” by the well-known British composer, Ralph Vaughn-Williams.
The band will present a variety of selections, including the classic “Poet and Peasant” overture by prolific composer Franz von Suppè, and a medley from “Cats” by arguably the most talented composer of contemporary musicals, Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Rounding out the program will be patriotic music, a contemporary setting of a well known children’s hymn song, and, of course a couple of rousing marches.
Featured will be two arias, “Depuis le jour” from the opera “Louise” by Gustave Charpentier and “Sempre Libere” from “La Traviata” by Guiseppe Verdi, sung by local soprano Jennifer Thomas.
Thomas has performed with the Boston Lyric Opera, Lake George Opera Festival, Elysian Opera at Lincoln Center, and the Portland Opera. She has appeared in concert with various orchestras, oratorio societies and chamber ensembles throughout the northeast.
In addition to her recital repertoire, Thomas’ operatic roles include the Countess in Mozart’s “Le nozze di Figaro,” Donna Anna in Mozart’s “Don Giovanni,” Violetta in Verdi’s “La Traviata” and Cio-cio San in Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly.”
Thomas is a graduate of Oberlin College Conservatory of Music and the New England Conservatory of Music where she received her undergraduate and graduate degrees in vocal performance and opera.
Since moving to the Sandhills four years ago, Thomas has appeared with the Moore County Choral Society, Handel on Hunger’s Messiah, the Moore County Concert Band and several other local venues.
In addition to teaching privately, Thomas teaches voice at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, is piano instructor at Sandhills Community College, and is director of music at Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Southern Pines.
The Moore County Band is an all-amateur band made up of musicians of all ages who love to play music.
Although there are some “music majors” the band is made up of teachers, secretaries, doctors, engineers, students, foresters, consultants, architects, stockbrokers, contractors, dentists, and airline captains — to name a few.
“We welcome new members if you are interested and have played an instrument,” said a spokesman.
The band practices at Sandhills Community College, Monday nights from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m.
For more information please call a band representative at 695-8603. The next concert will be on July 4, also at The Carolina Hotel.
