Seton Hall Chorus Performs in Bernstein's Candide  

The Seton Hall University Chorus will be singing in a concert version of Bernstein's Candide with a cast of Broadway and opera performers.  Seton Hall's own Jason Tramm will lead the Light Opera of New Jersey Orchestra and a cast of over 60 singers in the performances, which will be held on October 22 and 23 at the Dorothy Young Center for the Arts in Madison, New Jersey.

Candide is an operetta with music composed by Leonard Bernstein, based on Voltaire's 1759 novella which satirized the fashionable philosophies of his day. Per Tramm, "Leonard Bernstein's musical setting of Voltaire's sarcastic social commentary breathes modern life in the great French philosopher's monumental work." He added, "Only geniuses like Voltaire and Bernstein can make such biting sarcasm hysterically funny and with some of the greatest melodies ever written!"

The concert will feature two Broadway stars, Joy Hermalyn and David Benoit, both of whom have been leads in multiple Broadway shows.

"It is so exciting have the talented Seton Hall University Chorus members perform as a part of this historic concert version of Bernstein's great operetta, Candide," said Tramm. "The opportunity to share the stage with acclaimed Broadway and opera soloists is an experiential learning opportunity for students of every major."

Maestro Tramm serves as associate professor and director of choral activities at Seton Hall where he leads the University Chorus, Chamber Choir, Orchestra, and teaches voice and conducting in the College of Communications and the Arts. He recently returned from the Basilica Santi Ambroggio e Carlo in Rome for the International Concert in Honor of John Paul II and performances of Pergolesi's Stabat Mater and the premiere of David Boldrini's Miss Brevis with Enrico Bertato and the EstrOrchestra.

Last year, he was named executive director of the Light Opera of New Jersey. He also serves as the director of music, in residence, of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association during the summers, as well as the artistic director and principal conductor with the MidAtlantic Artistic Productions.

One of the Seton Hall students participating in the concert is Zena Karam, a junior majoring in pre-med/biochemistry from Bridgewater, N.J. "Being able to be a part of an incredible production like Candide has not only grown my passion for music but has opened a pathway for understanding the different perspectives and struggles of mankind through music," she said. "Learning about different experiences and what it means to be human has been extremely important in my journey to pursuing a career in healthcare."

Executive Director of Seton Hall's Arts Council Christopher Aurilio said, "I'm excited about the efforts of Seton Hall's music programs to bring what they do best – both off-campus and out into the community. We're especially proud to see our students perform alongside professionals in another impressive collaboration."

To buy tickets, visit the Light Opera of New Jersey's website. Student tickets cost $25 and the code for 10% off for all members of the SHU Community is CAND10.

Categories: Arts and Culture