"People have an intrinsic need to be sung to, and song recitals should address that need as directly as possible. Others seem to agree: recital series are springing up in Philadelphia (Lyric Fest), Atlanta […] and San Francisco […] each with their own style based on their artistic directors and the enthusiasms of their audiences."
Steven Blier
Opera News, June 2005
"Performed before a large and energized audience, the ensemble proffered a sweeping survey of music inspired and composed by a broad spectrum of composers and poets."
- Michael Caruso
Chestnut Hill Local
Audience Response
"What a fabulous mixture of fire and ice! You have honored music and composers with a fine, passionate, bittersweet offering...the personality which infused each song made this a memorable time."
"The concert was thoughtfully conceived, bringing to life such wonderful music! You have struck a chord sorely needed by all of us — giving the opportunity to listen to music and hear lyrics that allow us to reflect and remember."
"Even a veteran concert-goer like myself was surprised by the wonderful variety of songs from Purcell to Mahler to Britten to Hoiby to Broadway and all with superb singing and playing."
"We were captivated by the voices and the artistry of the singers, the creativity of the program and the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere which joined the artist and the audience. What a gift to the city of Philadelphia. Thank you, thank you!"
Lyric Fest Board
William L. Leonard
President
Allan Schimmel
Vice President
Mark Hemling
Treasurer
David Newmann
Secretary
Dimitrios Diamantaras
Joan R. Greenfield
Thomas Lloyd
Christina Stasiuk
Noble Thompson
Loretta Witt
Founding Artistic Directors
Suzanne DuPlantis
Randi Marrazzo
Laura Ward
About Lyric Fest
Lyric Fest was conceived to bring people together through the shared experience of SONG. By blending singers and a pianist in an intimate setting and then adding the spoken word, audience interaction and even dance, Lyric Fest offers unique and lively concerts to the Philadelphia community. From Bach to Brahms to Bernstein and beyond, Lyric Fest seeks to explore and celebrate the dynamic possibilities of Song!
- Each concert features up to ten artists, presented in solo as well as ensemble repertoire.
- Our artists talk to the audience throughout the concerts, providing meaningful context to the music by using letters and journals, history and historical documents, poetry and even personal anecdotes.
- Our vast repertoire explores the rich heritage of vocal music that has been handed down through the centuries to the present day, and which hails from around the globe.
- We often include dance as part of our programs.
- Our programming has great variety, is decidedly non-traditional and no song of quality is off-limits!
In this unique and informal atmosphere Lyric Fest explores and celebrates the dynamic possibilities of song.
Lyric Fest Artists for 2009-10
We are fortunate to be able to collaborate with many excellent artists each year. Below is a listing of the artists for 2009-2010, and don't miss our new Meet the artists page.
Singers David Adams, Markus Beam, Anton Belov, Timothy Bentch, Emily Bullock, Suzanne DuPlantis, Michael Fabiano, Jeffrey Halili, Lorraine Hinds, Jennifer Hsiung, Jessica Julin, Cara Latham, Steven LaBrie, Randi Marrazzo, Mark Moliterno, Cristina Nassif, Elizabeth Racheva, Tatyana Rashkovsky, Randall Scarlata, Alexander Tall, Elizabeth Weigle; pianists Harold Evans, Ghenady Meirson and Laura Ward; the Motet Choir of the Pennsylvania Girlchoir, Mark Anderson, conductor, the Keystone State Boychoir, Joe Fitzmartin, music director; Jim Bergwall, narrator; actors Jake Miller and Karim Council, a jazz combo.
We are also presenting the world premiere of a composition by Kile Smith on October 30 and November 1, 2009. Read an interview with Kile Smith in our Meet the artists page.
Please take advantage of our website to learn more about us, and see how you might become a part of the Lyric Fest community.