Chamber Choir Joins Professional Company for Don Giovanni Concert at Jubilee Hall Auditorium  

The 11th annual concert collaboration with the Charles and Joan Alberto Italian Studies Institute and the Arts Council's Classical Concert Series, Don Giovanni, features a classic opera written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, will be presented in a special concert version Monday, November 8, 2021 in Jubilee Hall Auditorium at 7 p.m. Directed by Seton Hall's own Jason Tramm, this presentation of the famous opera will be made up of both professional singers and Seton Hall students in the chamber choir.

Considered one of Mozart’s finest works, Don Giovanni is a blend of comedy and drama based on the legends of Don Juan. After being scheduled to be performed at the South Orange Performing Arts Center, the devastating Tropical Storm Ida in early September has put the theatre out of commission while clean up and renovations continue. Professor of Italian and Director of the Alberto Italian Studies Institute Gabriella Romani said, "Despite the unfortunate events and damage from the storm, I am thrilled to offer this opportunity on campus for all students, faculty, alumni and others in the community to still enjoy the show."

The concert will include the MidAtlantic Philharmonic Orchestra, soloists and the Seton Hall University Chamber Choir and will be under the direction of Jason Tramm, D.M.A., assistant professor in the College of the Communication and the Arts and the director of Choral Activities. At Seton Hall, Tramm leads the University Chorus, Chamber Choir and Orchestra.

During his already illustrious career, Tramm has served in a number of different positions and even has an Emmy nomination. Currently, he serves as the director of Music, in residence, of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association during the summers, as well as the artistic director and principal conductor with the MidAtlantic Artistic Productions. He was also recently named the new executive director of the Light Opera of New Jersey.

The Alberto Italian Studies Institute was established in 2003 to coordinate the University's many activities relating to Italian American history and culture, to sponsor cultural events, and to promote curriculum development and community outreach. This concert and the Institute's efforts are grateful to their connection with beloved alumnus Angelo Rancatti Jr. ('63, '68), who passed away in 2014.

Explained Romani, "This gives us an opportunity to honor the memory of one of our alums who would have been thrilled to know we’re having our 11th annual concert." Rancatti Jr. was especially passionate about music and Italian culture has donated a scholarship endowment fund in his name available to undergraduate students in the Music Program and Italian Studies.

The concert is free and open to the public. The entire performance is scheduled for two hours and will go from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. All interested parties should first RSVP with Barbara Ritchie via phone at (973) 275-2967 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Please remember, in accordance with University policy, all guests regardless of vaccination status must wear a mask when indoors.

Categories: Arts and Culture