The summer music series returns to the Sands Point Preserve with live performances this July and August in Castle Gould’s great hall.
On July 11, The North Shore Music Festival will present Pietra Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana. This classic verismo opera looks at a Sicilian love triangle, murder and betrayal, all in one act. “It is a fantastic and very melodic score, with a wonderful contrast from intimate moments to some larger grand scale moments in the Regina Coeli,” said Daniel Klein, the festival’s executive director, referring to a hymn from the opera.
Opera goers will recognize some familiar faces this year. Returning are Eric McKeever, who first performed with the festival as Figaro in Barber of Seville, taking on the two roles of Gianni Schicchi and Michele in Tabarro, “a real tour-de-force,” Klein said. Adam Cromer who sang Rodolfo with the festival in La Boheme, will sing Rinuccio in Gianni Schicchi and Luigi in Il Tabarro. Julie Hamula, who sang Gilda last summer in Rigoletto, will sing Lauretta in Gianni Schicchi. Hannah Spierman, who sang Mimi in La Boheme will sing Georgetta in Il Tabarro. Klein will return as Alfio and Adam Klein as Turridu in Cavalleria Rusticana. Both operas are conducted by Anthony LaGruth.
This year’s summer music series also includes cabaret, with Broadway Showstoppers II on July 18 and Aug. 8. Showstoppers II is an all-new Tiger/Fried production. On Aug. 1, there will be an evening of Shakespeare, an Arena Players production.
Tickets to each performance are $50. Each all-inclusive evening features the performance, a glass of wine, soft drinks, coffee and dessert. Doors open at 7:45 p.m. and the shows begin at 8 p.m.
For information about the Sands Point Preserve, go to www.thesandspointpreserve.com, call 516-571-7901 or visit the Gate House at 127 Middle Neck Road. Open daily in the summer from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
