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

 

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Russell Thomas, critically acclaimed tenor and artist-in-residence with the Los Angeles Opera will give a recital with noted pianist Lucas Nogara next month at La Sierra University.

<p> Tenor Russell Thomas will perform at La Sierra University on Oct. 19. (Photo: Fay Fox) </p>

Tenor Russell Thomas will perform at La Sierra University on Oct. 19. (Photo: Fay Fox)

<p> Radio personality Brian Lauritzen of 91.5 FM Classical KUSC will host the performance on Oct. 19 featuring Russell Thomas, and give a pre-concert lecture. (Photo courtesy of Brian Lauritzen) </p>

Radio personality Brian Lauritzen of 91.5 FM Classical KUSC will host the performance on Oct. 19 featuring Russell Thomas, and give a pre-concert lecture. (Photo courtesy of Brian Lauritzen)

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 and a pre-concert opening performance 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 11 a.m. at the auditorium.

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.”

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, which features renowned musical artists, commemorates the life of Anna H. Wang whose 105 years of life were dedicated to serving others through her work in health care and the support of young people through education and music.

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

Russell Thomas concert

Russell Thomas, artist-in-residence with the Los Angeles Opera, will perform at La Sierra University on Oct. 19 through a collaboration with the Anna H. Wang Concert Series and featuring a pre-concert performance by Loma Linda Academy's Pro Musica. (Photo: Fay Fox)

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