Concert highlights Puccini’s works

Friday, March 8, 2002 | 9:52 a.m.

The Performing Arts Society of Nevada's Lyric Opera Company will present a collection of Giacomo Puccini's best-known arias and duets Sunday at University of Nevada, Las Vegas' Beam Music Center.

"An Afternoon with Puccini" is a celebration of the sensual and romantic works of the Italian composer, said Thomas Gallagher, co-founder of the Performing Arts Society of Nevada.

Singers will perform selections from "La Boheme," "Gianni Schicchi," "Madam Butterfly," "Tosca," "La Rondine" and "La fanciulla del West."

"It's the all-time hit parade, his best-known, best-loved music," Gallagher said.

Featured will be soprano Lee Hughes, mezzo-soprano Deborah Fleischer, baritone Greg Pearson and tenor Marco Varela. The singers will be accompanied by pianist Voltaire Verzosa.

The Performing Arts Society of Nevada has been presenting concerts and recitals in the Las Vegas Valley for nearly 12 years. In addition to the Lyric Opera Company, it oversees the National Globe Theatre company and the Brown Bag Concert Series.

Gallagher said "An Afternoon With Puccini" could be the first part of a trilogy that would include programs featuring highlights from the operas of Verdi and Mozart.

Arias that will be performed at Sunday's concert include "O mia babbino caro" from Gianni Schicchi, "Tedeum" and "Vissi D'arte from "Tosca" and "Che gelida manina" from "La Boheme."

Duets include "Con pariglia e livree" from "La Boheme" and "Tutti i fior" (duet of the flowers) from "Madam Butterfly."

"It's a rich program full of Puccini's harmonic devices," Gallagher said. "His music is love, passion, romance and sensuality."