The Program

Works by Bellini, Nin, Duparc, Strauss and Spirituals

The Artists

Internationally acclaimed tenor Vinson Cole has sung romantic lead roles in all of the major opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera; San Francisco Opera; Opera National de Paris and Paris Opéra-Bastille; Teatro alla Scala; the Seattle Opera; and the Berlin, Vienna, Bavarian, and Hamburg State Operas.  Born in Kansas City, Missouri, he completed his vocal studies at the Curtis Institute of Music under the tutelage of Margaret Harshaw.  Recent engagements include Berlioz's Damnation de Faust at the Semper Opera in Dresden and Mahler's Symphony No. 8 with the Philadelphia Orchestra under Christoph Eschenbach.  Cole has taught at the University of Washington School of Music and at the Aspen Music Festival and School.  He is currently a faculty member at the Conservatory of Music and Dance at the University of Missouri, Kansas City.

George Darden made his solo piano debut with the Savannah Symphony in 1963 and after 21 years with the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, where he served as assistant conductor, pianist and coach, he retired in 2006.  Prior to his work with the MET, Darden was associated with the Houston Grand Opera, Texas Opera Theatre, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, Michigan Opera Theatre, New Orleans Opera, Greater Miami Opera, Chautauqua Opera, Opera Company of Boston, Augusta Opera, Baltimore Opera, Nevada Opera Company and in Spain at Valencia's Puccini Festival. He has been featured on a number of recordings as well as on radio and television programs around the world.  In 2000 he was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest civilian award for lifetime achievement and service.