OPAS delivered a unique Valentine's Day concert at Festival Hall in Greensboro, featuring the sensational English bandleader Alex Mendham and his Orchestra. The event transported audiences back to the exuberant era of the 1920s with touches of the 1930s, captivating them with an evening of music and romance.
Renowned Essex-born conductor and vocalist Alex Mendham led his all New York City-based ensemble through a dynamic program inspired by the jazz age. From sultry ballads to lively Charleston rhythms, Mendham and his orchestra captured the essence of an era known for its innovation, energy, and unabashed glamor.
Each note resonated with the era's sound and spirit, delighting listeners and evoking a sense of nostalgia.
"We were thrilled to host Alex Mendham for this special Valentine's Day Celebration," said Doug LaBrecque, Artistic Director of OPAS. "His unique blend of jazz, swing, and nostalgia were vintage and authentic.”
The concert featured a dazzling array of musical delights, including Jeepers Creepers, Puttin’ on the Ritz, Sing Sing Sing, and some other well-known material from the 1920s and ’30s. With Mendham's expert guidance and the virtuosity of his players, the evening was a true feast for the senses, transporting listeners to a bygone era of sophistication and allure.
In addition to the captivating performances, OPAS offered attendees a festive atmosphere befitting the occasion. OPAS transformed Festival Hall into a perfect backdrop for a Valentine's Day celebration, complete with cocktails, velvet red tablecloths, and an abundance of candlelight, setting the mood for romance.
Next up for OPAS on March 22nd, is their popular Lounge Series concert featuring famed trumpeter and singer Jumaane Smith playing a concert entitled Louis Armstrong and More! Jumaane has performed on more than 5 GRAMMY Awardwinning records (selling more than 60 million copies), 2 Emmy Nominated TV performances, the GRAMMY Awards with Stevie Wonder, in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story (trumpet solo actor), at The White House, The Today Show, Oprah, Good Morning America, and American Idol. Mentored at Juilliard by Wynton Marsalis, he has been the lead trumpeter for Michael Bublé for the past twenty years.
For more information about this or the upcoming OPAS Memorial Day Patriotic Concert, visit the OPAS website at opas.org or call 706-467-6000.