Chattanooga’s Performing Arts League presents Thomas West in Recital on Sunday, March 31, 20 at 4 p.m. at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, 305 West 7th St. at Pine Street in Chattanooga. There is no charge for the event. Donations will be welcomed and will help benefit local young performers through scholarships and grants.
A Chattanooga native, Mr. West won the Performing Arts League Vocal Competition in 2013. He has since graduated from Juilliard and become a well-known baritone hailed as a “miraculous…nuanced singer” and described as “a creative artist and entrepreneur whose work expands everything from brand new opera to cross-disciplinary collaboration.”
"The Performing Arts League is thrilled to offer to the community the opportunity of this extraordinary recital in which Mr. West will sing the famous German cycle Liederkreis Op. 39 by Robert Schumann alongside a set of Poulenc songs," officials said. "The performance will conclude with three songs by American composer Wayne Oquin who wrote for Mr. West a set of songs featuring Southern poets. These were written during Thomas’ time as a student at Juilliard."
A reception following the recital will provide attendees the opportunity to meet or reacquaint themselves with Mr. West.
"With this special event we are celebrating Thomas West’s success and his return to his hometown to perform with the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera in April when he will sing the part of Morales in the opera Carmen," officials said.
While the concert on March 31 is offered at no charge, donations are suggested. Contributions will further the Performing Arts League’s work in providing grants, scholarships and programs for deserving youth. "With your donation, you will help support local students pursuing the performing arts… offering opportunities like those provided to Mr. West. In addition to scholarships and programs, PAL provides grants for the organizations that train and support young people in performing arts endeavors," officials said.