Arts and Culture / Magazine Feature

A Night in Naples features Neapolitan songs, food and wine

Central City Opera Festival Italiano Orchestra tenor Brian Downen and Maestro John Baril will present A Night in Naples at the Newman Center’s Gates Concert Hall at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21.

Part of the Newman Center Presents series, the performance includes the likes of “Aprile,” “Santa Lucia” and “Mattinata” and ends with the Neapolitan favorite “Funiculì-funiculà” with the audience joining in on the chorus.

Neapolitan treats, such as sfogliatella, a flaky pastry with ricotta cheese, and Campanian wines will help bring the spirit of Naples to Denver.

Nationally renowned tenor Downen made his debut at Central City Opera in 2001 and has subsequently performed at Carnegie Hall and with the Cleveland Opera and Dayton Opera.

Baril, the Central City Opera Music Director, has conducted such productions as the sold-out revival of Bizet’s Carmen in 2002 and the critically acclaimed regional premiere of Adamo’s Little Women in 2001. He most recently conducted Mozart’sDon Giovanni.

A Night in Naples is part of the third annual Denver metro-wide Festival ItalianoSeptember 20–24, which features the sights, sounds and flavors of Italy. The festival includes an Italian classic film screening, and Italian wine and food tastings.

A free “Behind the Curtain” lecture will be held at 6:30 p.m. prior to the performance.

Tickets are $25–$35. Discounts are available for students, groups, seniors and DU faculty and staff. For information and tickets, contact the Newman Center box office in person or at 303-871-7720. Tickets also are available through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com, 303-357-2787 or at any Ticketmaster outlet.

The Newman Center for the Performing Arts is located at 2344 E. Iliff Ave. Paid parking is available in the Newman Center garage.

Comments are closed.