By Ron Fassler . . .
“Sparking greater human connections through musical storytelling, providing unforgettable performances that reflect the world around us and reimagining what the choral experience can be.”
This is the mission statement of MasterVoices, the musical collective which employs dedicated volunteer chorus partners—as well as the best in-demand theatre talent—for a host of yearly special events. Whether performing neglected gems, those from the traditional repertoire, or newly-commissioned works, this non-profit is among the finest performing arts organizations in the city.
On March 6 at 6:00 pm at City Winery, MasterVoices will present “An Evening with Ruthie Ann Miles,” which will serve as a fund raiser, complete with open bar, gourmet dinner, and exciting auction items. In 2015, Ms. Miles won a Tony Award for her performance in The King And I (2015), which also showcased MasterVoices Artistic Director Ted Sperling in his dual roles as that production’s musical director and conductor. Ms. Miles, most recently seen in McNeal at Lincoln Center Theater and Broadway’s Sweeney Todd, also starred in last year’s concert staging of A Little Night Music at David Geffen Hall, as well as the leading role in The Light in the Piazza at New York City Center Encores! in 2023.
Last month, the opera Blind Injustice had its New York City premiere at Lincoln Center’s Rose Theatre, under the baton of Mr. Sperling accompanied by the MasterVoices chorus. First produced by the Cincinnati Opera in partnership with Young Professionals Choral Collective, this unique theatre piece is based on a book by former prosecutor Mark Godsey. Taking on six separate cases, the Ohio Innocence Project at the University of Cincinnati College of Law, triumphed in finding long delayed justice for those falsely accused and imprisoned. Along with attorney Godsey, other members of the team being honored are composer Scott Davenport Richards, librettist David Cote, and dramaturg Robin Guarino.
This gala evening promises to be one of great fun and great music, all in the company and support of leading lights of the worlds of theatre and music. For ticket information, please visit https://www.mastervoices.org/march2025benefit/.
