Wang concert series to present renowned tenor Russell Thomas at La Sierra University

The performance will be held Saturday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. at Hole Memorial Auditorium with a pre-concert lecture at 6 p.m. hosted by 91.5 FM Classical KUSC radio personality Brian Lauritzen. In addition, a pre-concert opening performance will take place at 6:30 p.m. by vocal ensemble Pro Musica from Loma Linda Academy. Tickets range from $20 to $150 for VIP admission, with free admission offered to students with ID.

Thomas will hold a free masterclass for voice students on Sunday, Oct. 20 at 10 a.m. at the auditorium.

“A voice that marries Wagnerian stamina and Italianate beauty.” -- The Wall Street Journal

Thomas’ most recent appearances during the 2023-24 season include signature roles on the world’s stages in major operas by Giuseppe Verdi and Giacomo Puccini including Radamès in Lyric Opera of Chicago’s “Aida,” Cavaradossi in Royal Opera House’s “Tosca,” and Calàf in Los Angeles Opera’s “Turandot.” He has appeared in concert and in recital with the Edinburgh International Festival, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, and Vocal Arts DC at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and with many other top symphony orchestras and opera companies around the world.

His bio cites numerous notable appearances including with the Met Orchestra for their first overseas tour in more than 20 years, singing Otello opposite Angel Blue at Carnegie Hall, Philharmonie de Paris, Barbican Centre, and Festspielhaus Baden-Baden.

His artist-in-residency with the LA Opera, which began 2020-2021, has included a performance this June in “Fire and Blue Sky,” a world premiere song cycle composed for him by Joel Thompson. During his tenure, Thomas has hosted and curated the opera company’s “After Hours” recital series and spearheaded new training programs designed to serve outstanding singers from historically Black colleges and universities and Los Angeles public high school students from underserved communities.

Thomas has received numerous media accolades including from The Wall Street Journal which has described his performance as “A voice that marries Wagnerian stamina and Italianate beauty,” and from Opera Magazine which notes “a heroically shining tone of exceptional clarity and precision.”

“Anna was a woman ahead of her time, coming of age as a nurse in China during the harrowing years of World War II. -- Dr. Marilene Wang, La Sierra University Board of Trustees member

The October performance at Hole Memorial Auditorium is a collaboration between La Sierra University’s music department and the Anna H. Wang Concert Series based out of Washington Adventist University in Maryland. The series, founded by Wang's children and which features renowned musical artists, commemorates Wang's 105 years of life which were dedicated to serving others through her work in health care and the support of young people through education and music.

Wang’s granddaughter, Dr. Marilene Wang, a La Sierra University Board of Trustees member, an alumnus, surgeon and UCLA medical school professor recalled her close relationship with her grandmother as a child and the pleasant vacations on her grandparents’ farm in Illinois. Marilene Wang noted her grandmother’s sacrifice, dedication and impact as a nurse in the China during World War II and later as an immigrant to the United States where she raised her family.

“Anna was a woman ahead of her time, coming of age as a nurse in China during the harrowing years of World War II, where she cared for numerous babies and adults under unspeakable conditions of hardship and terror,” said Marilene Wang. “She came to the U.S. after the war, speaking very little English, raised four children, and worked with my grandfather to establish a thriving nursing home.  She always loved music and believed in the power of music education to change lives.”

Programming for the Anna H. Concert Series is developed by Marilene Wang’s cousin, Dr. Brian Liu, assistant professor of music at Washington Adventist University. He and another of Wang’s cousins Dr. Daniel Lau, WAU’s music department chair, have forged connections in the world of professional performance which has benefited the series. All 11 of Anna Wang’s grandchildren serve on the series’ board of directors.

The concert series program expanded its reach to California and the La Sierra University community this year. Marilene Wang noted music's lifelong impact and her own musical connection to the university through piano instruction with former La Sierra music professor Anita Olsen. Wang continues to play piano and organ for her church.

“There is such a strong, active music department here,” said Wang, “and we believe the mission of the AHW Concert Series would be well served.”

For further information, contact music@lasierra.edu, 951-785-2036, or visit https://www.ahwconcerts.org.