JAZZY ROUTES THROUGH PARIS TO BROADWAY

Charis Chamber Voices, the acclaimed Westchester-based ensemble led by Susanne Peck, pays tribute to the influence of the American jazz movement on 20th century classical French composers of song and in turn on the effect these composers have had on such legends of American musical theater as Porter, Kern and Gershwin. Artistic Director Susanne Peck invites audiences to "come and hear where classical and popular music meet as jazz moves through the classical circles of Paris and on to the musical theater world of New York." Charis will perform two concerts; the first 8 PM, Saturday, May 4 at Bedford Presbyterian Church, On the Green in the Village of Bedford and the second at 8 PM, Saturday, May 11 at South Presbyterian Church, 345 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry.

The concerts will begin by featuring selections of Claude Debussy, Francis Poulenc and Maurice Ravel , including Debussy's "Trois Chansons", three of Poulenc's "Sept Chansons" and Ravel's "Trois Chansons". Charis Director and soprano soloist Susanne Peck and baritone soloist Lewis White will also perform solo works of each composer. Following the route from where jazz met Parisian classical circles to its influence on the musical theater world, Charis will then perform classics of Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, Cole Porter and Jerome Kern newly arranged by contemporary New York composers Jim Bassi, Julie Dolphin, and Nancy Wertsch. These selections will include, to name a few, arrangements of "Hit Me With a Hot Note"(Ellington), "A Foggy Day" (Gershwin), "The Song is You" (Kern), "Just One of Those Things" and "In the Still of the Night" (Porter). The concert will close with a medley from the musical score of Porter's "Kiss Me Kate", again featuring solos by soprano Susanne Peck, the group's Artistic Director, and Louis White, baritone soloist.

Founder and Artistic Director of Charis, Westchester resident Susanne Peck is on the faculty of Hoff-Barthelson Music School in Scarsdale and enjoys a career as a professional soloist. She also maintains a private teaching practice in Westchester and New York City.

Concert tickets are $15 in advance( $12 for seniors and students) or $18 at door ($15 for seniors and students.) To purchase tickets, call 914-931-6575 or visit our website at www.charisvocals.com.