| IF YOU GO |
| The Vocal Arts Society presents tenor Stephen Costello and coloratura soprano Elizabeth Futral |
| Where: Kennedy Center Terrace Theater |
| When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday |
| Info: $45; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org |
Tenor Stephen Costello performs Tuesday at the Kennedy Center in a joint recital with coloratura soprano Elizabeth Futral. The Philadelphia native and graduate of that city’s Academy of Vocal Arts is fresh from his debut as Lord Percy in the Dallas Opera production of “Anna Bolena.” He was originally scheduled to perform with his wife, soprano Allyn Perez, before she was invited to make her Dallas Opera debut in “Don Giovanni” during this period. Both are overjoyed that Futral, their good friend, offered to appear with him for this event.
The program covers several centuries of musical styles and allows for both duets and solo numbers. Along with operatic works and song cycles by Donizetti, Liszt, Poulenc, Massenet and Verdi, Futral has chosen several favorites from Victor Herbert operettas and Costello will sing “I’ll Walk With God” and the evergreen “Danny Boy.”
Costello was focused on the trumpet when he entered college, but he soon discovered that singing gave him even greater pleasure. At first he gravitated to musical theater until it became apparent that his voice was more appropriate for opera. Good fortune took him to AVA and the esteemed vocal teacher Bill Schuman. Along with the marvelous preparation the school provided for his career, it also introduced him to his wife, a fellow student there.
“I realize that everything good that has happened to me stems from the outstanding music program I had at Washington High School in Philadelphia,” he said. “Now that finances have caused budget cuts in public schools and fine music programs are no longer offered students, the next generation will not have the opportunities available to those who came before them.”
Costello’s numerous honors include the 2009 Richard Tucker Award, several career and study grants and first prize in the 2006 George London Foundation for Singers and the Licia Albanese-Puccini Foundation Competition. He made his Met debut in 2007 as Arturo in the new production of “Lucia di Lammermoor.” Other past highlights are performances at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Spoleto Festival and Dallas Opera for the fifth consecutive season.
In February, he and his wife will appear in the title roles of Gounod’s “Romeo et Juliette” with the Opera Company of Philadelphia. His first U.S. solo recital accompanied by pianist Danielle Orlando takes place in Kansas City in March, followed a week later by a repeat for the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society. In April, he will be with the San Diego Opera for two new roles, the Italian singer in “Der Rosenkavalier” and the title role in “Faust,” with his wife as Marguerite. Summer will find him through August at England’s Glyndebourne Festival as Nemorino in “L’exisir d’amore.” Tonio in “Daughter of the Regiment” is on the agenda for a future season.
“I want the Kennedy Center audience to enjoy our program and have a great night,” he said. “Even though it’s formal, I hope they realize that it’s also low key and they should not be afraid to applaud. So often today, audiences hesitate to applaud for fear they’re breaking a rule, but they should remember that the performers. who are ten times more nervous than they are, will welcome the sound of applause whenever it happens.”
