Sunday Musicales Kick-Off Sunday

Editor's note: The following information was released by the Newport Beach Public Library.

The Newport Beach Public Library begins its series of 2014 Sunday Musicales with a performance by musical theatre vocalist, Karen Benjamin, showcasing “Chick Songs: Art Songs by Women Composers” on January 12 at 3 p.m. in the Central Library Friends Room, 1000 Avocado Avenue, Newport Beach, CA 92660.

Singer Karen Benjamin has over twenty years of performing in musical theatre, opera and cabaret.  She was an original cast member of the Los Angeles production of Phantom of the Opera starring Michael Crawford, in addition to other productions. Currently, she is focused on producing and performing vocal recitals specializing in art song.  She will be accompanied by Catherine Popovic on piano, and Benjamin’s husband, Alan Chapman, morning host for KUSC radio,  will provide commentary.

The 2014 Sunday Musicales schedule includes:  Spirit Bells of Concordia University on February 2; Trio Celeste, with award-winning musicians Iryna Krechkovsky, violin; Ross Gasworth, cello;  and Kevin Kwan Loucks, piano,  on March 9; Masterworks for Flute and Guitar, featuring Mary Palchak on flute and Adam Pettit playing classical guitar, on April 13 and A Musical Tour with Lea Steffens and Janet Kao on May 18.

Admission to the Sunday Musicales is free.  No registration is required.  Seating is first-come, first-served, limited by room capacity.  Funding is provided by generous donations from the Friends of the Library.  For more information, please call (949) 717-3800, ext 2 or visit the website at www.newportbeachlibrary.org.

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