Call it love, l’amour, or a Hallmark holiday, but Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a night filled with the best love songs of all time.
Vernon tenor Paul Moore has a cure for those in love, or looking for love, when he presents a special Valentine’s concert Saturday, Feb. 11 at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre.
Part of his Nuit Musicale series, which is quickly becoming an annual Vernon tradition, each concert has a different theme. Last year it was dedicated to opera and ballet and was lauded a visual feast by the audience. This year the theme is, you guessed it, love.
“Happy love, tragic love, brotherly love, love of life, we will celebrate love with all-time favourite songs of different genres,” said Moore.
The concert’s broad appeal features such love songs as Dean Martin’s hit That’s Amore, Some Enchanted Evening from the musical South Pacific, a contemporary pop hit from Ellie Goulding, How Long Will I Love You?, and Foreigner’s I Want To Know What Love Is.
Included is a selection of Italian love songs and a few of opera’s greatest hits, including Romeo’s serenade Ah Leve Toi Soleil from Romeo and Juliette.
“It’s a beautiful aria that requires tremendous high B flats that the tenor must reach, making it a memorable pleasure for the audience,” said Moore.
Opera fans can also hear The Pearl Fishers Duet, one the most beloved opera duets of all time, sung by Moore and baritone Darren Roesler, as well as one of the most dramatic arias of all time, Nessun Dorma from Turandot.
Moore will also direct his three choirs – Kokanee Singers, Kokanee Singers Junior, and a cappella group Inspirati Chorale – and will play his saxophone in a jazz-duet version of Nat King Cole’s Nature Boy, with bass Alex Wedensky.
Joining Moore are members of his family, including his parents Gary and Vikki and nephew Chase, who sing with the Kokanee Singers and Kokanee Singers Junior, respectively.
Paul’s son Justin, vocalist and bassist with local band Armonia, will perform I Want to Know What Love Is and will be joined by his bandmate, percussionist Zack Noseworthy, and guitarist Jeff Gamble, with local rock band Mace.
Carol Colpitts will also accompany the singers on piano.
“Bring your date or come along and expect to be inspired and moved by music. Expect to hum along,” said Moore.
Tickets for Nuit Musicale, Saturday at 7 p.m., are $37/adult, $34/senior, $25/choir member or parent of choir member, at the Ticket Seller, 250-549-7469, www.ticketseller.ca.