This article was written by Anne Ulseth
The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra’s (SPCO) Northside Series opens up the month of May at the Capri. On Friday, May 5 at 7 p.m., audiences will experience exquisite music and extraordinary musicians in the intimate setting of the lovingly remodeled Capri. The third of this three-concert series features Antonín Dvořák’s American Quintet, which draws on influences he saw as uniquely American — African-American spiritual melodies, taught to him by composer Henry T. Burleigh, and rhythms from Native American music. Other pieces on this program reflect similar influence, including David Bruce’s Gumboots, derived from the Aparthied-era South African dance, and Louis W. Ballard’s Ritmo Indio, a study in American Indian rhythms. Tickets are $15 for adults and free for Northsiders with reservations at thespco.org.
Excellence in music continues with Minneapolis’ own Sanford Moore. He’s back for Legends 13 with an all-new program and four performances in the Paradise Community Hall at the Capri. With some surprise guest singers, Return to Paradise will take audiences on Sanford’s musical journey from his first audition as a church pianist to his first musical as a Musical Director. “Although this recital will center around my becoming a Theater Musical Director, I cannot omit the influence gospel, jazz or classical music has made in becoming the musician I am today. I’ll be reprising a few pieces from last year’s recital as well as debuting new gospel and jazz piano arrangements,” he said.
Sanford’s 2022 Recital in Paradise played to sell-out crowds and anticipation for this fresh version is already building! Concerts will be held on Saturday, May 6 and May 13 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, May 7 and May 14 at 3 p.m. Tickets ($25) are available at capri.simpletix.com.
The SPCO returns to the Capri on Saturday, May 20 with its marvelous Start the Music series for children and families with two “Percussion Party” events at 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. This hands-on concert experience is an unforgettable way to introduce young ones to music. As a musical exploration program geared for children ages 3-6 and their families, 30 minutes of activities, crafts and games are followed by a 30-minute concert to provide an up-close musical encounter for everyone in attendance. This concert will feature music from the percussion family and an uplifting story that will charm audiences of all ages. Free tickets can be reserved at thespco.org.
Summer Camp Capri, a five-week program filled with fun and art-full joy has opened up registrations for middle school scholars who will have completed grades 5-8 in the 2022-23 school year. Students will have the chance to perform in the musical, Once On This Island, Jr., and learn from some of the best teaching artists in the biz, including directors Dennis Spears and Greta Oglesby; Ms. Diane from Hollywood School of Dance; musical director, Kimberly Keaton; percussionist Chico Perez, company manager, Jennifer Whitlock, and more. The free community program runs 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday, July 10-August 11, with performances at the Capri Theater at 5 p.m. on August 9-10. Register online at thecapri.org/programs/youth/summer-camp/.
Coming soon: Mini-golf, food and fun on June 15 on the Plaza at the Capri. Free to attend; free mini-golf with advanced registration. Stay tuned for more info. Questions: events@pcyc-mpls.org.
The Capri is located at 2027 W. Broadway North. For more details and ticket info visit thecapri.org.