Music in Van Wert 1/26

The Russians are coming to the NPAC

Next week at this time, actually on Tuesday, February 1, the Niswonger Performing Arts Center will be infiltrated by Russians. The Russians are known for many things, but among the finest is their ballet dancing and music. The State Ballet Theatre of Russia hails from the city of Voronezh and features one of the very best ballet troupes to come to America. Their performance of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake ballet will be an exquisite experience on so many levels: the dancing is world-class, the scenery and staging is first-class and the costumes are beautiful and colorful.

Next to The Nutcracker, whose popularity at Christmastime makes it probably the most popular, Swan Lake is one of the most recognizable and certainly most beautiful ballets of all time. The music, of course, is wonderful and was written by one of my favorite composers of all time, Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky.  It is soaring, powerful and yet beautiful throughout the ballet.

To make the most of your experience, we have added a pre-concert lecture in the First Federal Lecture Hall.  It will begin at 6:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. It will be limited to the first 175 people who arrive.  The director, two primary dancers and a Russian interpreter will be on hand to educate us on the story behind Swan Lake, the State Ballet Theatre of Russia’s particular performance, and to answer any questions you may have.  It will be a wonderful opportunity to learn and experience Russian artists firsthand, via an interpreter.

Our Lecture Committee is pleased to offer this educational and informative opportunity for those coming to the performance. It should be quite an evening.  Some seats still remain for this February 1 performance, which begins at 7:30 p.m. in the warm and cozy confines of the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio. Call the box office at 419.238.NPAC (6722), stop by, or go online to secure the best remaining seats for this exquisite evening of world-class entertainment!

Jim Brickman tickets are going fast.  He will be here February 13 for a special Valentine’s Day concert.  The special dinner in the Upper Lobby is sold out.  It will be a romantic night of dining for those lucky enough to be a part of that. A prime rib and chicken buffet is being served by Willow Bend Country Club, complete with dinner music provided by a string trio. If you are still looking for an idea on Valentine’s Day, don’t delay.  The best ticket for this holiday is at the NPAC with Jim Brickman and Friends.  And if you are considering dinner beforehand and didn’t get in on our Upper Lobby dining, you still might consider some of the restaurants that are listed in our programs. Take a look at the restaurant page in a previous program and I am sure you will find a dining experience that will fit your needs.

Right after the Brickman concert, the American Spiritual Ensemble comes to town to present a concert of vocal music from the African American tradition.  The American Spiritual Ensemble is filled with impressive singers who have performed all over the world.  They come together to present an impeccable presentation of the American negro spiritual.  I have seen the program and it will be the best of spirituals, but will also include much more. They have a closer that will bring the house down – guaranteed!  I heard this ensemble at the Riverside Church in Harlem last year and they are something else!

Many of you have this concert as part of your Community concert package, but single tickets are still available for presale and maybe at the door.  You will leave this one feeling uplifted spiritually and musically.

Cirque Shanghai on March 1 is going fast.  Get your tickets now for this amazing family show.  The Popovich Comedy Pet Theater show this Sunday is sold out (sorry)!  Remember, it starts at 3 p.m.  Don’t show up in the evening or you will miss the show and may be asked to help clean up the stage!

FINÉ.