Don O’Neal Le Blanc, Tenor with Mary Dibbern, Pianist – October 21, 2017

The Puccini Society of Dallas presents

Don O’Neal Le Blanc, Tenor, with Mary Dibbern, Pianist

“Tenors in Love”

Saturday, October 21, 2017
at 3:00 P.M.

Hosted by Doug Haloftis
4626 Cherokee Trail
Dallas, TX 75209

Valet Parking
Guests: $30
Members: $25

R.S.V.P. to Bettie Francis
at 214.528.4554 or
P.O. Box 25105
Dallas, TX 75225 or
puccinisociety @ aol.com

https://www.puccinidallas.com

Dear Puccini Friends;

First of all I want to thank our tireless Secretary, Bettie Francis, for the beautiful new directory. As you all recognize, countless hours are required in updating everyone’s correct information and putting this book together. “Thank you!” Bettie for doing this, and making sure we all have this important information. You should have received your copy in the mail in Aug.

By now you should also have received our renewal letter and our first invitation. We hope you will renew, of course, and that you will send your dues to the P.O. box in the enclosed envelope. Receiving these by mail is faster and more efficient that accepting them at the meeting check-in, but of course we’re happy to receive them at your convenience. Our thanks to Judy and Martin Toby, Membership Chairs for their efforts in helping everyone renew their membership. A special thanks also to Tamora Wood for sending out the beautiful e-mail invitations! Don’t they really look great!

I look forward to seeing everyone again at our first meeting on Oct. 21. It is being had at the beautiful home of Doug Haloftis in Bluff View, and we all remember his fine piano and wonderful art collection as well as his welcoming hospitality. Our program will get our new season off to a beautiful start with tenor Don LeBlanc and our own Mary Dibbern, presenting “Tenors in Love”. We’ll probably hear some favorite tenor arias.

After a twenty-year hiatus, tenor Don O’Neal LeBlanc has returned to his passion for singing. Since his return, Don has been a featured soloist with the UNT orchestra and chorus, the North Texas chapter of Opera on Tap, Arlington based Timeless Concerts, and the Dallas Opera. Don was a semi-finalist in the 2015 American Prize Vocal Competition. Don’s most recent collaborations with the Dallas Opera include participation in the International Women’s Conducting Institute, “Verdi & Company” concerts, and minor roles in Eugene Onegin and Madame Butterfly.

Anyone who would like to assist Patsy and Bob Brooks with our reception is welcome to contact Patsy, [email protected]. Deidra and Gordon Cizon have donated a case of wine, and we can all cheerfully toast to them!

A partial lineup of this year’s programs include:

  • Nov. 18 with baritone Will Hughes (of the Dallas Opera);
  • a return appearance of soprano Sara Gartland and harpist Grace Browning on Jan. 20;
  • Dallas Opera Chorusmaster Alexander Rom will present his own compositions with Gary Levinson (DSO 1st violin) and his wife, pianist Baya Kakouberi on March 3;
  • March 24 soprano Lauren McNeece will present a Wagner program;
  • and an April reception for soprano Laura Claycomb (who will sing for us) while she’s in Dallas to sing the role of Donna Anna in “Don Giovanni” this spring.

We also hope to join with the Opera Guild and the Theater Guild for another joint event in the spring. Plans are well under way for that special program, yet to be announced.

Do put these dates on your calendar, and we can all look forward to enjoying lots of wonderful music with many of our friends!

Marilyn Halla

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