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SUMMIT, NJ - The Clan Currie Society has announced that New York City Opera star, Mark Delavan, has joined the impressive roster of musical talent that will perform The Pipes of Christmas in Summit, New Jersey on Sunday, December 16. "We are absolutely thrilled to have a performer with such tremendous talent and love of his highland heritage joining our ranks", said concert producer Robert Currie. Delavan is one of America's most sought after, versatile baritones. He has earned public and critical acclaim for his many performances on the opera and concert stages. As a regular at the New York City Opera, he recently opened their 2001-2002 season singing the title role in Der Fliegende Hollander (The Flying Dutchman) to outstanding notices. Among other performances, he has presented his interpretations of the title roles in Rigoletto, Macbeth, Boito's Mefistofelle, and Falstaff. Mr. Delavan made his debut on the Metropolitan Opera stage last January as Amonasro in Aida. Born in Princeton, New Jersey, Mr. Delavan earned a Bachelor of Music Degree from Oral Roberts University. He also interned with Jerome Hines' acclaimed Opera Music Theatre International in New Jersey, was a national finalist of the Metropolitan Opera auditions and an Adler Fellow with the San Francisco Opera. In honor of his Scottish roots, he will wear the tartan of the Johnston clan at the performance. Joining Delavan will be recording artists Kevin Blandford of Redlands, California on the Highland Bagpipes and Scottish Smallpipes, Uilleann piper Brian Holleran of Jersey City, NJ, Celtic fiddler Paul Woodiel of Maplewood, NJ and the Solid Brass ensemble from Chatham, NJ. Pipe Major Blandford brings to his music a special blend of Scottish pipe music and a classical repertoire. In 1981, Blandford began a long association with University of Redlands organist and composer Jeffrey H. Rickard. That musical relationship led to the recording of two CDs popular with Scots throughout the country; The Pipes of Christmas and Amazing Grace: A Selection of Hymns for Bagpipes and Organ. Blandford will debut a new pipe selection commissioned especially for this concert. "Lament for the Lost" will commemorate all that perished in the September 11 terror attacks. A noted exponent of traditional fiddle styles, Paul Woodiel is a three-time New England Fiddle Contest champion, and performs with the popular Scottish Dance band Local Hero. Currently performing as concertmaster of the Broadway hit The Music Man; he previously served in the same capacity for the Broadway production of Ragtime. Founded in 1982, Solid Brass is recognized by audiences and critics alike as one of the premier brass groups in America. The members of the ensemble are some of the New York area's finest musicians who have performed at Lincoln Center with the Metropolitan Opera and New York City Opera orchestras, NY City Ballet orchestra, and a host of appearances as orchestral and chamber musicians in the metropolitan area. A holiday favorite, The Pipes of Christmas will be held on Sunday December 16 at Central Presbyterian Church in Summit. Given the overwhelming demand for tickets, two concerts have been scheduled for 3:00 and 7:30 PM. Presented by Summit's Clan Currie Society with generous support from The Classic Malts of Scotland, the program will also include a selection of readings taken from Celtic literature and Scripture. Demand for tickets is at an all-time high with both concerts approaching sold-out status. Tickets may only be purchased by mail order in advance of the concert. No tickets will be sold at the door. All seats are $20. To purchase tickets, send payment, along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to The Clan Currie Society, P.O. Box 541, Summit, NJ 07902-0541. Specify matinee or evening performance. For further information call (908) 273-3509 or e-mail the Society at clancurrie@mail.com.
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