The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra served up a savory confection in the form of a vocal group called Poperazzi, during It’s Amore, a concert to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Held Saturday at Hilbert Circle Theater in downtown Indianapolis, the romantic Italian-themed program was robustly led by Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Principal Pops conductor Michael Krajewski.
Poperazzi, which consists of tenors George DeMott and Cody Shawn Gay and soprano Janien Valentine, performs regularly with symphony pops orchestras, on cruise lines, at corporate events and at casino showrooms in Las Vegas (their home base). Singing pop songs made famous by Italian-Americans, the attractive and vivacious trio also performed famous Italian opera and classical pieces.
After the orchestra set the appropriate festive mood for the evening, opening the concert with the familiar Balli il Tarantella!, the trio was introduced. The group then proceeded to demonstrate their extraordinary vocal talents as they sang Brindisi:‘Libiamo ne lieti calici’ from La Traviata. It was a real harbinger of all the first-rate entertainment yet to come.
Valentine (that’s her real name) further showed off her operatic skills, singing a sparkling rendition of Puccini’s O mio babbino caro from Gianni Schicchi with a voice pristine in tone.
She was followed by Gay whose pleasing tenor voice soared as he sang popular Italian composer Cesare Andrea Bixio’s sentimental Mama.
DeMott also shined, showing off his spectacular range and vocal power, in a salute to his idol, Luciano Pavarotti. The medley included la Donna e Mobile from Rigoletto, La Danza by Rossini, and a Neapolitan song, Torna a Surriento by Ernesto De Curtis.
Another highlight in Act 1 was the trio singing a soaring rendition of The Prayer, by Carole Bayer Sager and David Foster from the 1998 animated feature film, Quest for Camelot.
Act 2 consisted of mainly popular songs which showcased Poperazzi members' versatility and vibrant, energetic stage personalities. Selections included Valentine singing Be Italian from Nine and Gay performing a medley of songs associated with Frank Sinatra (Fly Me to the Moon, My Way, I’ve Got You Under My Skin).
The trio also sang selections from Jersey Boys, a jukebox musical about the legendary rock and roll group, The Four Seasons. They included Big Girls Don’t Cry, Oh, What a Night and Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.
The orchestra enhanced the evening’s Italian-flavored event with exuberant instrumental performances of Volare (Nel Blu, Dipinto di Blu) and That’s Amore.
For tickets and information regarding upcoming Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra concerts, call (317) 639-4300 or visit www.indianapolissymphony.org.
