BENEFIT CONCERT

Invitation to an Evening With World-class Artists:

ROBERT HALE, Bass-baritone

JULIE DAVIES, Soprano

COLLEEN ADENT, Piano

Julie Roy and Minnie Lafargue are proud to play a leading role in the cultural life of the community. They are bringing spectacular world-class artistry to Marksville with a presentation of the best of the performing arts. The Paragon Casino lends its generous support as a contributing sponsor.

Two thrilling international opera singers, Robert Hale and Julie Davies will perform their diverse program which offers music from classic Broadway tunes, gospel music and spirituals, and excerpts from Charles Gounod's highly acclaimed French opera, Faust.

Behind every great singer there is a great story, and here are two exceptional artists from our very own state and neighboring Texas.

Robert Hale and his wife, Julie Davies, reside in both Arizona and Germany. Hale now returns to Louisiana to visit cousins and introduce his wife to his Louisiana roots. He is a leading man and star of countless memorable roles. Hale returned from Europe to a sold-out debut at the Metropolitan Opera in 1990. Recordings have long established him as a foremost proponent of Wagner's helden baritone repertoire. On this occasion, we are celebrating one of America's most influential singers of our time. In recent times, Hale enjoys concertizing with his wife, Julie Davies.

Julie Davies, who hails from Texas, is an opera star with an unparalleled connection to the music. She has performed to great acclaim for her vocal prowess: "...the brilliant young Julie Davies moved through every phrase with focused, colorful, and powerful ease," (from a review of her Lucia di Lammermoor). Not only does she reach her audiences with impressive facility, but Davies connects to the audience through her dynamic stage presence and character portrayal. Because of her immense success this year as soloist in Germany, she has been fully booked for next year's opera season, singing in Europe, leading roles such as: Nedda in I Pagliacci, Norina in Don Pasquale, and Amina in La Sonnambula.

Sure to be a highlight of this concert is pianist, Colleen Adent, hailing from Vancouver, Washington, who exemplifies musicianship of the highest caliber. You will be mesmerized by Ms. Adent's unsurpassed combination of gifts: perfect pitch and incredible improvisational ability, supporting her enchanting mastery of the piano. She has appeared as piano soloist in full orchestral concerts with Hale and Davies. In addition to her acclaim as pianist, Adent is also an increasingly recognized composer and arranger.

Nothing can prepare you for the excitement of hearing these world-class entertainers perform together. Hale, Davies and Adent are consummate artists whose riveting appeal crosses musical boundaries.

Ms. Roy and Ms. Lafargue encourage you to purchase your tickets to secure seats, to broaden and enhance your performing arts experience. You won't want to miss this grand opportunity to hear these inspiring, spectacular performers.

Proceeds will go to the Avoyelles Public Charter School and the Fox Performing Arts Theater.

Sunday evening, August 19, at 6:00 PM

The Charter School Auditorium

Reception follows: Meet the artists.

Tickets $10 - available at the door.

Contact: 318 380 8011