JPAS Presents DUETTI SOLO 10/25 At The Westwego Performing Arts Theatre

The Jefferson Performing Arts Society (JPAS) proudly presents Ensemble La Variazione & All'Opera in DUETTI SOLO (Duets Only), an afternoon of classical chamber music and operatic duets, Sunday, October 25, 2009 at 2PM at the Westwego Performing Arts Theatre, 177 Sala Avenue in Westwego. Direct from Venice, Italy, Ensemble La Variazione features Tenor Filippo Pina Castiglioni, Flautist Elena Cecconi, Flautist Valentina Puddu, Harpist Paola Devoti and Mezzo-Soprano Deniz Bairaktar-Sharp, also featuring Soprano Nancy Ross. Tickets to this special performance is $18 for adults, $15 for Seniors (65+) and Students and $10 for children (12 and under). For tickets call 504-885-2000 or visit www.jpas.org.

Enjoy an afternoon filled with the enchanting sounds of the flute and harp in DUETTI SOLO. Selections featured in this special performance include excerpts from Verdi's LA TRAVIATA, Rossini's BARBIERE DIS SIVIGLIA and works by Offenback and Delibes. This performance is sure to delight music lovers of all ages!

The Ensemble La Variazione specializes in transcriptions and variations on Operatic themes, symphonic music, camera works, Musicals, Operettas and traditional themes re-invented by the members of the Ensemble. The distinguished members of the Ensemble "vary" in number and training including: voice, flute and harp; flute quintet; voice ensemble, flute and string and piano. The Ensemble La Variazione has collaborated with performing arts organizations throughout the world. Ensemble La Variazione performs this special engagment performance after recently making a special appearance at the Jefferson Performing Arts Society's 14th Annual Pasta & Puccini Gala.

More about Ensemble La Variazione
FILIPPO PINA CASTIGLIONI (Tenor) was born in Milan, and studied with Renato Ercolani and Alfredo Kraus. Winner of the 1987 National Singing Competition "Mattia Battistini" in Rieti, he began his career specializing in the bel canto repertoire. He sang in Italy at Teatro Massimo of Palermo, Opera Theater in Rome, Theater Regio in Parma, Theater Comunale of Florence, La FenIce Theater etc. He has participated in festivals including: Dei Due Mondi Festival (Spoleto) Galuppi Festival (Venezia), Barock Tage of Melk (Austria). His career has taken him to France, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, USA, Canada, Russia, Brazil, Austria, Bulgary, Hungary, Malta, Albania, Greece, Tunisia, Turkey, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt. He has also done many concert performing Chamber and Sacred works. He recorded for Hungaroton (Gustavo I, King of Sweden - B. Galuppi), Bottega Discantica (La Visita Meravigliosa - N. Rota), Nuova Era (Sigismondo - G. Rossini), Bongiovanni (Il Socrate immaginario,- G. Paisiello/Il Paria - G. Donizetti / L'amante di tutte - B.Galuppi / L'Uccellatrice - N. Jommelli), Ricordi/BMG ( Canto l'Opera - Arias of W. A. Mozart), Tactus (Missa Dolorosa - A. Caldara).

ELENA CECCONI (flutist) graduated in Italy with the highest marks and attended Masterclass in Vienna Music University with W. Schulz. She teaches Flute at the Cagliari Music University and regularly performs in Italy, Europe, Japan and the USA. She also teaches Masterclasses and performs at the Universities of Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, Illinois and Georgia. Elena performs at the NFA National Flute Convention and at FFC Florida Flute Convention. She has won National and International competitions, played as Solo First Flute in Palermo, Venezia, Parma and recorded solo CDs for Ricordi, Bayer Records, Clarinet Classics, Tactus, Bottega Discantica. Elena is Haynes Flute Artist and she plays a Haynes Flute Gold 14K that belonged to S. Gazzelloni.

VALENTINA PUDDU (flutist) got the degree with the highest marks in Italy at Music University of Cagliari with E.Cecconi, and attends Masterclass at Valtidone Summer Camp with E. Cecconi . She took part in The Flute Day - Europan Music Day- at Iglesias, Italy. Valentina performed in several concerts and considerable cultural events in Italy playing with several chamber groups and performing recitals for flute and piano.

PAOLA DEVOTI (harpist) graduated in Italy with the highest marks and attended Masterclass in France with Jamet e Liber. She played First Harp in Rai of Milano, Sanremo, Alessandria Orchestras. She has won several Competitions and recorded for Stradivarius, Millenium, Tactus, Bottega Discantica. She has performed in Europe, Japan and the USA. Paola plays a Lyon Healy Grand Concert Harp.