The summer classical music seasons is in full swing, and A Tempo this week looks at both a brand new series and a 50-year veteran of summer music programs. Kelsey Theatre, which like WWFM is a part of Mercer County Community College, is featuring its first-ever Opera Series. It kicked off this weekend with performances of Verdi's La Traviata and Puccini's Madama Butterfly presented by the relatively young New Jersey Lyric Opera. Next month it will feature two performances of a double bill of Puccini's Il Tabarro and Suor Angelica, staged by another new company - Operallora. Host Rachel Katz will speak with Kelsey Manager and Artistic Director M. Kitty Getlik, New Jersey Lyric Opera Artistic Director John Calkins, and Operallora Artistic Director Amanda Santos.
The program also features a conversation with Gordon Turk, who is celebrating his 50th season as resident organist at The Great Auditorium of Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association. During his tenure he has launched several summer series, including those for organ recitals and chamber concerts, and he'll talk about his experience, the allure of the organ, and this year's season.
