Music@The Library is a free concert series that brings performers to Hemet to entertain and introduce various music genres to the public.
Saturday's performance by soprano Angela Bunea is no exception. The Romanian-born singer was cast in major roles in opera companies and with orchestras and choirs in her native country and Europe.
About eight years ago, she won a lottery that gave her a visa to come to the United States. She gave up her career to have a chance at a better life in America. She has since become a citizen, raised two children and worked hard to rebuild her career.
"She has a gorgeous voice, dramatic chops and a warm personality," said Diane Mitchell, M@TL Chair. "Believe me, I know a really great singer when I hear one."
Bunea's program will include some Romanian folk songs as well as familiar works by Gershwin, Sondheim and Puccini.
"I know that the American public likes this kind of music more," said Bunea, of Lake Elsinore. "I didn't want to sing only pieces from the opera."
She will be joined by local mezzo-soprano Gretchen Herndon for the "Flower Duet" from Delibes' opera "Lakme." Mitchell said most people will recognize the tune due to its use in British Airways commercials.
Pianist Steve Sivcovich will accompany the singers and also play a few solo selections.
Bunea said she finds American and European audiences different and said she was surprised when she first visited the library venue.
"I didn't know that Hemet had that kind of library -- big, very beautiful and also a concert hall," said Bunea, who said she had never visited America before she moved here. "It is very difficult for Europeans to be (allowed) to come to this country."
The music series is sponsored by the Friends of the Hemet Public Library.
The program starts at 2 p.m. but doors to the upstairs concert venue open at 1:30 p.m. The Hemet Public Library is at 300 E. Latham Ave.
Information, 951-927-1775 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 951-927-1775 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or 951-765-2440 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 951-765-2440 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.
A@TL
"Another interesting but under-appreciated feature of our concerts is Also @ The Library, a selection of Hemet Public Library resources that relate to each concert," said Diane Mitchell.
The list, with commentary on a few items, is researched and prepared by Sasha Moore, who has been a M@TL committee member for about five years. She started the companion addendum three years ago.
Moore researches materials on various topics and sub-topics for each performance and includes history, travel, music, reference and even children's books on her list.
There is something for everyone -- from different age levels to various interest levels.
"It's a lot of fun because I love research," said Moore. "Sometimes the researches are far and wide but that's what I think a library is all about: you find specific topics and then experience the joy of learning about related areas."
The informal and selected list of books, films and music available at the Hemet Public Library gives visitors a chance to take home more from a performance than just good memories.
"We have received glowing feedback from people who use it," said Mitchell. "Each time Sasha sends it to me I am once again amazed at the wealth of books and recorded materials available at our library."
A@TL lists are available at the concert.
Also Saturday;
Hemet Farmers Market, visit www.hemetfarmersmarket.com
Golf at Soboba, vist www.sobobasringscc.com
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