July 1- 7, 2004

artpicks

Outside Chance

opera

Every year, the Academy of Vocal Arts sends young singers off to trod the boards of the world's great opera houses. As with fine wine, some vintages stand out, and the current crop is especially delicious. To take a free taste, stroll over to Rittenhouse Square tonight, when AVA presents an open-air evening of opera, as a part of the Welcome America! festivities. This will be a full-blown musical production, with an orchestra and choir under the direction of AVA faculty member David Lofton. Say a prayer to the weather gods and come and hear the spectacular voices that have been thrilling local opera lovers during the regular season: Latonia Moore, soprano; Eglise Gutierrez, coloratura soprano; Jennifer Hsiung, mezzo-soprano (pictured); James Valenti, tenor; and Luis Ledesma, bass-baritone. Who knows, you might be tempted to hear some more when the fall season rolls around, in an indoor setting, complete with a roof.

Opera on the Square, Thu., July 1, 6:30 p.m., free, Rittenhouse Square, 19th and Walnut sts., www.americasbirthday.com.

—Peter Burwasser