“[T]he Ghost Chorus deserves a nod, as well as the chorus for the Norwegian sailors, the Dutchman’s crew and the young women in Senta’s scene in Act 2. I thought the entire production was impressive and well-orchestrated.” Read More
Author: John T.K. Scherch
Baltimore Concert Opera’s production of The Flying Dutchman makes Opera Wire’s Top 5 Operas to see in North America this weekend
“On Friday and Sunday, audiences in Baltimore will get a chance to check out Wagner’s “Die Fliegende Holländer” in concert performance. Todd Thomas takes on the title role with Alexandra LoBianco as Senta and Justin Hopkins as Daland. Erik will be interpreted by Dane Suarez with James Harp conducting and performing the piano throughout the performance. It isn’t how we usually hear Wagner, but a more intimate musical setting is bound to create a unique experience.” Read More
March 1 and 3, 2019 – The Flying Dutchman at Baltimore Concert Opera
On March 1st and 3rd, I appear in Baltimore Concert Opera’s production of The Flying Dutchman as part of the chorus. Performances take place at the Engineers Club: 11 West Mount Vernon Place, Baltimore MD 21201.
December 15, 2018 – Soloist with Harford Choral Society for An International Celebration Concert
On December 15th, I will be joining Harford Choral Society as a soloist for their International Celebration Concert. Their winter concert features Bach’s Magnificat and other seasonal selections. The event takes place at 4pm at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Bel Air, MD.
Broadway World praises Viva V.E.R.D.I. – The Promised End
“All eight singers have their moments to shine throughout. The octet is so good that I feel obligated to name each of them individually: Brian Arreola (tenor), Peter Burroughs (tenor), Anamer Castrello (mezzo), Natalie Conte (soprano), Teresa Ferrara (soprano), Bryan Jackson (bass), Elizabeth Mondragon (mezzo), and John T.K. Scherch (bass). Harmonies remain tight for the entirety and while the boisterous Requiem’s score can feel overwhelming in the intimate Source Theater, it is the kind of overwhelming feeling that wraps you in the intricacies of Verdi’s work. It’s a surprisingly welcome sensation.”
Read more: The In Series’s VIVA VERDI is an Indescribable Emotional Multitude
John and The In Series’ Viva V.E.R.D.I. reviewed by Washington Post
Photo: Colin Stanley Hovde
The Washington Post’s Anne Midgette reviewed The In Series’ Viva V.E.R.D.I.: The Promised End. The show runs for the next two weekends, plus a Wednesday night performance on September 19.
Read: Art, exposed: In Series strips away convention, and hits a nerve
In Series: Viva V.E.R.D.I. – The Promised End Promo Video
September 30, 2018 – Taste of Tomorrow. Opera a la Carte.
Preview of Bel Cantanti’s 15th season. The performances will include the snippets of performances of 2018-2019:
C. Bizet’s The Pearl Fishers
Franz von Suppe’s The Beautiful Galatea
W. Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro
W. Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice
N. Rimsky-Korsakov’s The Tsar’s Bride
September 8-23, 2018 – Viva VERDI – The Promised End
Verdi’s name* became the battle-cry of an entire revolution. Verdi and Shakespeare come together in this season-opener, a unique imagining of the Bard’s King Lear, alongside the composer’s towering Requiem. Heart-stopping melodies and breathtaking choruses reveal Verdi at the moment of his death, weighing fragments of his life, telling the story of the opera Lear which he never finished, and exploring the universal pains and joys of the aging process. Acclaimed conductor/composer/pianist Paul Leavitt and eight opera singers distill this music to its fiery spiritual core. Steven Scott Mazzola directs this world-premiere piece written by In Series Artistic Director Timothy Nelson. With designs by Jonathan Dahm Robertson (Scenic), Marianne Meadows (Lighting), and Maria Bissex (Costumes).
Starring Helen Hayes Award Winner, Nanna Ingvarsson as Verdi/Lear.
The Ensemble includes:
Teresa Ferrara
Natalie Conte
Anamer Castrello
Elizabeth Mondragon
Peter Burroughs
Brian Arreola
John T.K. Scherch
Bryan Jackson
Sung in Latin & English with English dialogue.
VENUE
Source Theatre
1835 14th Street NW – Washington DC 20009
U Street-Cardozo Metro (Green line)
Street & Garage parking available
http://www.sourcedc.org
TICKETS
General: $45
Seniors (65+): $40
Young Professional: $25
Students: $20
May 20, 2018 – The 10th Biennial Bach Vocal Competition for American Singers
On May 20th, I will be competing in the Bach Choir of Bethlehem’s 10th Biennial Bach Vocal Competition for American Singers. The event will be held at Peter Hall, Moravian College and is open to the public. No tickets are required and admission is free.
Details
- Date: May 20
- Time: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Venue
Peter Hall, Moravian College
April 28, 2018 – Annapolis Opera 30th Annual Vocal Competition Semi-Finals
On April 28th, I will be competing in the Annapolis Opera 30th Annual Vocal Competition Semi-Finals. The event will be held at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts and is free and open to the public.
Semi-Finals: Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 10 AM
Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts | 801 Chase Street, Annapolis, MD
October 23, 2017 – Who’s that new guy? via WBJC
If you’ve tuned in lately to a non-symphony or Met broadcast and you’ve heard a voice you didn’t recognize, it is likely that you heard me. I’m John T.K. Scherch, the new guy, the freshman, or whichever other nickname(s) my colleagues or our dear listeners decide to give me. I also understand I’m the first new voice on the air in 20 years. However you’d like to refer to it, I’m ecstatic to be part of this radio station. If you question this due to my lack of exclamation points, you and my partner can have a conversation about how I’m not fazed by anything. It just hasn’t fazed me yet.
I got my start in radio at WWVU-FM, or as everyone refers to it, U92, the college radio station at West Virginia University and the national college radio station of the year for the past two years running (as of 2017). I directed the heavy metal program for three years and the classical program for two years, which I’m particularly proud of as I brought the show out of its previous hangover time slot into weekend primetime and got the WVU School of Music to allow us to broadcast student recitals.
