Performance: A Grand Night for Singing

Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 7:00pm

  707-255-5445
  $20.00
  Website

The beloved Grand Night for Singing series returns to the Jarvis Conservatory, bringing together a remarkable lineup of vocalists for an evening that promises heart, humor, and high artistry. With music ranging from classic opera to contemporary musical theater, the program is a celebration of song in all its expressive power.

The concert features an eclectic mix of styles—dramatic arias, playful duets, heartfelt ballads, and jazz-infused showstoppers—all performed by a stellar cast of singers, accompanied by the ever-expressive pianist Tetyana Goodhart and hosted by the velvet-voiced Melena Moore.

Featured Performers

DeeAnne Reeder, soprano, is a classically trained vocalist and pianist whose musical journey spans continents and genres. With a BA in Music Performance and Education from Humboldt State University, DeeAnne has performed with opera companies, symphonies, a cappella ensembles, and chamber music groups. In addition to her vibrant performing career, she has been a dedicated music educator for over 20 years, teaching both privately and in Sonoma County schools. Known for her joyful spirit and community engagement, DeeAnne is also the founder of the Renegade Christmas Carolers, spreading musical cheer across the county each holiday season.

Patrice Kirkish, mezzo-soprano, brings a deep passion and authenticity to her singing, having found her way to opera after a career in high tech and earning her MBA. Once she rediscovered her musical roots, she quickly joined the ensemble of Opera San Jose, performing in productions like CarmenLa Bohème, and La Traviata. Patrice has also performed with Opera Bravura and at many wine country venues, and currently balances her artistic life with raising her daughter and running an art gallery in Healdsburg. Her voice is rich, expressive, and imbued with life experience.

Gabriel Adelman, tenor, is a dynamic young performer whose musical journey began in childhood and has led to stages across California. His theatrical highlights include the role of Bobby Strong in Urinetown and years of experience with Cinnabar Young Rep and Spreckels Performing Arts. Gabriel’s classical training and heartfelt delivery earned him recognition as a 2025 award winner at the Redwood Empire NATS Festival. Based in Cotati, he continues to study under Melinda Moreaux, bringing a sincere and versatile voice to both classical and contemporary repertoire.

Grace Elizabeth Warden, soprano, is a rising star in Sonoma County’s musical theater community. A junior at Pacific Independent Academy and dual-enrolled at Santa Rosa Junior College, Grace has been acting and singing onstage since age eight, appearing at Cinnabar Theater, 6th Street Playhouse, the Raven Theater, and Music to My Ears. Recently crowned Miss Sonoma County’s Teen 2025, she combines charisma and discipline in every performance, charming audiences with her poise, vocal strength, and commitment to the craft.

Melody Rose Neal, soprano, brings vocal power and stylistic range to every performance. A Napa native, Melody earned her AA in Music from Napa Valley College and her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Sonoma State University. She is equally at home in opera, art song, musical theater, and jazz. Melody is also a passionate music educator, currently teaching choir at a local school and performing with the chamber ensemble Bel Canto Napa Valley. Her voice soars with emotion and her interpretations reflect both discipline and deep artistic intuition.

Jill Wagoner, soprano, is a highly accomplished singer and actor whose credits span concert halls and theater stages across the Bay Area. She has appeared with companies such as Verismo Opera, Sonoma Arts Live, 6th Street Playhouse, and Lucky Penny Productions. Her recent roles include Banquo in Macbeth, Miss Pinkerton in The Old Maid and the Thief, and the title role in Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End. Jill’s performances are known for their theatrical depth, rich tone, and compelling stage presence.

Melena Moore, mezzo-soprano and host, is a seasoned performer known for her smoky, velvet-rich tone and commanding stage presence. A longtime Sebastopol resident originally from Colorado, Melena returned to the stage after raising her two sons and building her wellness business, Bliss Organic Day Spa. Her recent performance as the Witch in Into the Woods marked a triumphant return to musical theater. Now a frequent presence on Sonoma County concert stages, Melena brings warmth, artistry, and humor to both her singing and hosting roles.

Tetyana Goodhart, pianist, is a Ukrainian-born musician whose artistry, sensitivity, and collaborative spirit have made her a treasured accompanist in Sonoma County. Since moving to California in 1999, she has performed with classical vocalists and instrumentalists throughout the Bay Area. Tetyana is a member of the Music Teachers National Association and CAPMT, and is widely admired for her musical intuition and her ability to elevate every performance she supports.

Program Highlights

The evening’s repertoire offers a journey through more than 150 years of vocal music. Highlights include the dazzling coloratura aria “Je suis Titania” from Ambroise Thomas’ Mignon, a brilliant showcase of vocal agility and theatrical flair. Audiences will also enjoy the haunting beauty of “Mon cœur s’ouvre à ta voix”, one of Saint-Saëns’ most beloved arias, with its lush orchestration and passionate text.

For fans of classic American standards, George Gershwin’s “Someone to Watch Over Me” promises a moment of smoky elegance and vulnerability. Contemporary musical theater selections include “Corner of the Sky” from Pippin and “Finish the Fight” from Suffs, highlighting the storytelling power of modern composers like Stephen Schwartz and Shaina Taub.

Whether you're an opera aficionado, a Broadway enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a night of live music magic in Napa, A Grand Night for Singing offers something for everyone.

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