Column: Eye on the Arts, by Glen Parsons

There are so many events this month, we needed a second Eye on the Arts column just to keep tabs on them all. Make sure you get out of the house to experience some seasonal joy.

From 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Friday the Meet the Met will be talking about the opera “Aida,” which will be performed live from the Met at noon on Saturday.

The New York Metropolitan Opera live broadcast of “Aida” by Verdi will be at noon Saturday at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center. Aida, Ethiopian slave of Princess Amneris, loves Commander Radames, but fate steps in to separate them. The story of their love is passionate and powerful.

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday you can hear “The Soft Sounds of Christmas” performed at the Marion Ross theater. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m., while the Sunday show is a 2 p.m. matinee. Barb and Neil Lang, Lora Virgil and Todd Peterson accompany eight singers you have heard on ACT’s stage. Stephanie Erdman, Carrie Boyer, Pat Parsons, Jenika Boersma, Jason Howland, Steve Stoneking, Tony Segura and I will bring both secular and religious songs of the season! Great solos and harmonies blend together for a fabulous evening of your favorite holiday tunes. Tickets are $18 at actonbroadway.com or 377-4371.

The Albert Lea High School holiday band and orchestra concert is at 7 p.m. Monday in the school auditorium. Tickets are $7 adults, $5 students, with concert passes accepted. Tickets also available at Addie’s Floral and at the door.

On Tuesday, Eileen Nelson Ness, organist at Salem Lutheran Church, will play the third organ recital at Salem Lutheran Church. All recitals are open to the public. An offering will be taken. Salem is handicapped-accessible.

Well, that’s quite a list. I hope everyone will be able to find several events to enrich their holiday season! Enjoy!

 

Glen Parsons is a member of the Albert Lea Community Theatre.