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Stage: hot ticket
By JOHN FLEMING, Times Performing Arts Critic
© St. Petersburg Times
published May 2, 2002
Conductor's farewell appearances
Tom Wilkins begins his farewell tour today with the Florida Orchestra. After eight years as resident conductor, Wilkins is leaving for the same position with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Throughout May, he is conducting the orchestra often, as well as being roasted in a going-away dinner at the Hyatt Regency Westshore.
Today, Wilkins bids goodbye to the series that he has made a popular tradition for many orchestra fans, the 11 a.m. coffee concert at Mahaffey Theater, with principal harpist Anna Kate Mackle featured. Tickets: $17-$26.
Wilkins leads a pair of free park concerts over the weekend featuring light classics, show tunes, marches and fireworks. The first is 7 p.m. Friday at Curtis Hixon Park, Tampa; the second 7:45 p.m. Sunday at Coachman Park, Clearwater. (813) 286-2403.
USF reprises 'The Tender Land'
It is surprising that Aaron Copland wrote only two operas, neither of which is performed frequently. He was one of the most theatrical of composers, with many dance and film scores to his credit, including such classics as Appalachian Spring for Martha Graham's dance company and The Red Pony for Hollywood.
The Tender Land, Copland's second opera, is being staged this weekend by the University of South Florida's Opera Theatre at Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center. Set in the rural Midwest, it's the story of Laurie Moss on the eve of her high school graduation. She falls in love with a hired hand on her family's farm, much to the displeasure of her mother and grandfather. She ultimately leaves the farm to seek a wider world.
The USF cast, directed by Theresa D'Aiuto Andrasy, captured the work's spirit in sweet, direct fashion in performances last month on the Tampa campus. Joseph Finocchiaro, above, sings Run, Mister, Run with the chorus. Jack Rain will play piano.
The Tender Land is at 8 p.m. Saturday. Tickets: $12 and $14. (727) 942-5605.
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