The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE — Love is in the air during Valentine’s week and the Alleghany Highlands Arts Council has been caught in Cupid’s spell.
On Friday evening Feb. 15, the arts council will present members of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, along with featured soloists, in an evening of romantic classics called “David Wiley & Friends: For the Love of Music.”
The 90-minute concert will be presented at the Historic Masonic Theatre with a curtain time of 7:30 p.m.
This curtain time is slightly later than all other events during this year’s Performing Arts Series. This will allow additional dining time for patrons who want to combine dinner and concert tickets as a gift for their Valentine.
Once in the beautiful setting of the Historic Masonic theatre, the audience can bathe their ears in the sounds of familiar and soothing favorites.
The romance of two married couples, Mr. and Mrs. David Wiley and Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Bouknight, as featured performers adds to the theme of the evening.
The program is a blend of primarily George Gershwin, Rogers & Hammerstein and Andrew Lloyd Webber, with a dash of Mozart and a pinch of Puccini.
Program highlights will also include beloved and popular solos, duets and trios from “Phantom of the Opera,” “The Sound of Music” and “South Pacific.”
The audience can go home humming tunes like “Some Enchanted Evening,” “The Man I Love,” “Embraceable You,” “Unforgettable” and more.
David Stewart Wiley has provided leadership of the RSO since 1996. As a composer, conductor and pianist, Wiley’s music has taken him to many cities throughout the United States, as well as to dozens of countries.
Maestro Wiley’s wife, soprano and actress Leah Marer Wiley, has performed throughout the United States and Europe. With her wide vocal range and dramatic versatility, she is accomplished in musical theater, opera and symphonic performance.
The Rev. Philip Bouknight, baritone, has performed oratorio extensively throughout the United States and abroad, singing in various title roles and performing in several premieres. He has appeared on international televised broadcasts and sung with the Roanoke and Lynchburg symphonies.
His wife, Tara Bouknight, has sung in many oratorios, including two premiers, and has appeared in several title roles on the operatic stage. She also has sung with the Roanoke Symphony and Lynchburg’s Opera on the James.
Supplemental funding is being provided by The Alleghany Foundation and the Virginia Commission for the Arts.
Tickets are $18 adults and $8 students and can be purchased online at www. alleghanyarts4all.com.
This offering is meant to replace the Holiday Pops concert that was cancelled by a snowstorm in early December so season ticket holders are admitted free.
For more information, call the Alleghany Highlands Arts Council at (540) 969-9800.
