The Syracuse Vocal Ensemble -- directed by Julie Pretzat, dean of the School of Communications, Media and the Arts -- will present "Shakespeare and Love," featuring two notable Oswego alumni, at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 26, at May Memorial Unitarian Society in Syracuse.
A concert of choral music setting the texts of William Shakespeare, the concert will feature interspersed dramatic readings of scenes and sonnets by “The Bard” presented by actors Mark Cole and Robin Curtis.
A professor emeritus of theatre at SUNY Oswego, Cole has numerous acting credits, including the Fool in "King Lear" (Syracuse Shakespeare Festival) and Andrew Borden in "Lizzie Borden Took an Axe" (Covey Theatre Company), as well as roles in the films "Impossible Choice" (Media Artists) and "Viking Funeral" (Jetpacks Go!).
A SUNY Oswego theater alumna and professional actress for over 20 years, Curtis’ career spanned film ("Star Trek III" and "Star Trek IV"), television ("MacGyver," "Murder, She Wrote," "Night Court"), commercial campaigns (American Express, International Coffees) and playing many of the great wenches of musical theater. She serves on the Syracuse Stage board and 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.
May Memorial Unitarian Society is located at 3800 West Genesee St. in Syracuse.
Since 1973, the Syracuse Vocal Ensemble has served the musical arts in Syracuse, and its surrounding regions, with excellent choral programming and performances. The Syracuse Vocal Ensemble exists to nurture a widespread appreciation for the art of chamber choral singing by performing consistently innovative and outstanding choral programs.
For more information, visit the Syracuse Vocal Ensemble website at http://syracusevocalensemble.org, follow on Facebook (@syracusevocalensemble) or Instagram (@syracuse_vocal_ensemble).