‘Coffee Concerts’ Kick Off This Weekend

Coffee Concerts has a variety of music planned as it begins its seventh season at the Lakeville Area Arts Center.

The first concert of the season will feature two Minnesota Opera resident artists on Sunday, Jan. 12. Victoria Vargas, mezzo-soprano, and John Robert Lindsey, tenor, will perform art songs, arias and duos.

“We'll be singing in French, English, German, Italian, and Spanish, and in a variety of styles ranging from romantic classical singing to modern cabaret songs, so there will be a bit of something for everyone," Lindsey is quoted in a news release. "There is, of course, a bit of big opera on the program as well.”

Lindsey’s experience includes performing as a tenor soloist in Handel’s “Messiah” and Sam Polk in Carlisle Floyd’s “Susannah.” Vargas, who is in her fourth season as a resident artist with the Minnesota Opera, has also performed several roles, including Tisbe in “Cinderella,” and Anna in “Mary Stuart.

Other upcoming performances consist of:

• Feb. 9 - Chestnut Brass Company
• Apr. 27 - The Bakken Trio, made up Minnesota Orchestra musicians
• May. 18 - Vecchione/Erdahl oboe/bass duo in collaboration with soprano Maria Jette and her husband, pianist Lee Blasky

Each concert begins at 2 p.m. on Sundays and includes complimentary Caribou Coffee and refreshments. Tickets for performances are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. Season tickets are $48 for adults and $36 for students and seniors. Purchase tickets online or by calling the Lakeville Area Arts Center at 952-985-4640

The founders of the Coffee Concerts series are oboist Carrie Vecchione and bassist Rolf Erdahl, a husband and wife duo who perform one concert each season in collaboration with other artists.

In addition to variety in performances, Vecchione and Erdahl also focus on education, according to the statement: 

"Education is also a big part of these programs," Vecchione said. "We offer artist master classes to area schools and reach out to all ages. We want everyone involved as listeners, learners and stakeholders making beautiful music an important part of their lives and community.”

This year's Coffee Series is made possible due to a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council. Kingsley Shores Senior Community of Lakeville is the season sponsor for the series. 

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