Join us for a delightful “Wagnerian Christmas” by Opera Edwardsville’s mezzo-soprano Penelope Cousland, the Perseid Quartet, and pianist Dr. Joseph Welch. While not many would associate Wagner with the holidays, this surprising program transports the listeners to Lucerne on December 25 in 1870, where Richard Wagner’s wife Cosima awoke on Christmas morning to the sounds of the Zurich Tonhalle orchestra playing The Siegfried Idyll on the front steps of their villa. The program additionally explores Wagner’s work through the lens of his life, history, and Germanic Christmas tradition.
Opera Edwardsville builds upon the rich musical history of Edwardsville, Illinois— from the Municipal Band to the Mississippi River Festival—to bring world-class opera to the surrounding community through concerts, lectures, recitals, and more. Opera Edwardsville exposes audiences to bold artistic ideas, powerful drama, fascinating history, global perspectives, and beautiful music.
Scottish mezzo-soprano Penelope Cousland is an alumna of the National Opera Studio in London where she performed with the Scottish Opera, Opera North, and the Welsh National Opera, while participating in masterclasses and residencies with the Royal Opera House in London.
Formed in 2013, the Perseid String Quartet is dedicated to performing chamber music to the highest possible artistic standards, and to creating accessible and enjoyable concert experiences in the St. Louis community. The Perseids have previously appeared at several local venues including the Sheldon Concert Hall, 560 Music Center, and the Kemper Art Museum.
Pianist and vocal coach Dr. Joseph Welch currently teaches at Southern Illinois University, Blackburn College, McKendree University, and for the Artist-in-Training Program at the Opera Theatre of St. Louis. Joseph is the Founder of St. Louis Art Song and on the board of the Southern Illinois Young Artists Organization.
Reservations are required.
$10 tickets available for members, seniors, and military. $20 general admission.
Admission includes one free drink and complimentary hors d’oeuvres. Metered on-street parking is available, as well as paid lots adjacent to Kingside Diner and at the Schlafly Branch of the St. Louis Public Library.
To purchase tickets, please click HERE
Thursday, Dec 12 - 7:00 pm