CLEARWATER – In celebration of the VSA arts of Florida’s 25th anniversary, Mezzo–soprano Laurie Rubin will perform on Saturday, Oct. 7, 7:30 p.m., in the Murray Studio Theater of Ruth Eckerd Hall.
Rubin, who has been blind since birth, has an impressive career as a professional opera singer. Helped by a keen ear and librettos transcribed into Braille, Rubin sings in at least eight languages including cantorial Hebrew.
A graduate of both the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and Yale Opera at the Yale School of Music, Rubin continues to receive high praises and awards. Rubin has had solo performances at the White House, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. and a New York recital debut at Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall. Rubin's most recent performance was this past June at London's Wigmore Hall. New York Times chief classical music critic Anthony Tommasini wrote "she possesses "compelling artistry, communicative power" and that her voice displays "earthy, rich and poignant qualities."
The performance will cap a day of activities including a School Time performance of Fusion showcasing performers of mixed abilities and workshops on inclusion in the arts including wheelchair dancing, painting for persons with visual impairment, music and drama for all and Start with the Arts. Rubin’s performance will be followed by a dessert reception and artist Talk Back.
Founded in 1981, VSA arts of Florida, is a member of the international network of VSA arts, an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Tickets are $25; $10 for students. For tickets, call 791-7400 or visit www.rutheckerdhall.com.
Ruth Eckerd Hall is at 1111 N. McMullen Booth Road.
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