The Syracuse Vocal Ensemble, directed by Julie Pretzat, will present “Shakespeare and Love,” a concert of choral music setting the texts of William Shakespeare on Saturday, March 26 at 3:00 pm at May Memorial Unitarian Society, 3800 E Genesee Street, Syracuse NY. Interspersed with the music selections will be dramatic readings of scenes and sonnets by “The Bard” presented by actors Mark Cole and Robin Curtis.
Mark Cole, Professor Emeritus of Theatre at SUNY Oswego, has numerous acting credits, including the Fool in King Lear (Syracuse Shakespeare Festival), Andrew Borden in Lizzie Borden Took an Axe (Covey Theatre Company), and roles in the films Impossible Choice (Media Artists) and Viking Funeral (Jetpacks Go!).
A SUNY Oswego Theater alumna and professional actress for over twenty years, Robin Curtis’ career spanned film (Star Trek III and IV), television (MacGyver, Murder. She Wrote, Night Court), commercial campaigns (American Express, International Coffees), and playing all the great wenches of musical theater. She serves on the Syracuse Stage board, the CNY Arts Council, and attends the Friends of the Central Library Author Series.
The composers setting texts from many of Shakespeare’s well-known plays and sonnets include Robert Johnson of the 16th Century through Ralph Vaughan Williams and William Mathias to contemporary composers Matthew Harris and Nancy Wertsch. Glen Kime will serve as the piano accompanist for the concert.
Tickets are $10 for adults, free for students and children, and available at the door. Cash or checks are preferred.
Please be aware that current protocols at the concert venue require masks for singers and the audience.
