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El Dorado’s South Arkansas Arts Center has announced a “Reaching Higher Concert” Friday at 7 p.m. at the Callaway Theater.
Cabaret and classical concerts will feature lyrical coloratura soprano Elizabeth Hunter Ashley and pianist Melinda Morse on SAAC’s Steinway grand piano.
At the invitation of Michelle and Steve Smart, Crossett natives Ashley and Morse will perform to raise money for the capital campaign construction project. The concert will be preceded by a 6:30 pm cocktail reception, sponsored by Suzy and Drew Sheppard.
Elizabeth Hunter Ashley, M.S., is a lyrical coloratura soprano who is classically trained and has worked extensively as a professional soloist in the United States and internationally. In addition, she teaches vocal music in her private voice teaching company “The Performance Studio”. Miss Austin 1984, Miss Minnesota 1985 and Austin Music Hall of Fame recipient, Ashley continues to hold the following honors: 2022 Music Top 100 “Woman of the Year”; 2021 Vocal Coach of the Year by Corporate Live Wire California “Prestige Award; 2018-2019-2020 “Best of Danville – Vocal Coach” Business Hall of Fame, California.
Melinda Morse grew up in a family of six in Crossett, and her childhood was filled with music creation. As such, she pursues her love of music both academically and professionally. Morse earned a Master of Music degree while still teaching in the Memphis Public Schools. After completing 37 years as a public school teacher, Morse retired and continued her piano studies at home.Recently, she advanced to the 2021 Washington DC Finals
International Amateur Piano Competition and Silver Stream 2022 Boston International Amateur Piano Competition.
Morse and Ashley, accomplished professionals in their own right, will join forces on this tour to travel to their home state to share their collaborations and outstanding musical talents. They have collaborated for over 24 years in orchestral performances, concert settings, philanthropy, and they share their talents through Morse’s original compositions, classical music, and cabaret performances.Book a concert with Puccini’s arias, Elizabeth will
Perform Gershwin and Barber classics before moving on to lighter cabaret. These include 1940s classics like “Don’t Walk Around Anymore” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Melinda accompanies Elizabeth throughout and takes center stage in piano solo classics, including Chopin’s romantic “Fantasy Impromptu.” Unique to the duo concert are three compositions by Melinda, choreographed for Elizabeth’s outstanding vocal range and expressiveness: “Her Eyes” and “After the Spring Song”.
Donations for this fundraiser will be made at the door. To reserve a seat for the Reaching Higher Concert, please call SAAC at 870-862-5474. SAAC is located at 110 East Fifth Street in El Dorado, Arkansas.
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