This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Jan. 4, 2010 - St. Louisans are generally known for our self-deprecating attitude. Rather than let someone else run the place down, we jump in and criticize it first. Left unsaid is the shared knowledge that amazing things happen here. Soprano Christine Brewer’s recital at the Sheldon Saturday was one of them.
Ms. Brewer, whose road to stardom began at Opera Theatre of St. Louis, sang a special recital to benefit the Beacon. From Wagner to “Come Rain or Come Shine,” the program was as mesmerizing as it was varied.
Post-Dispatch music critic Sarah Bryan Miller described Ms. Brewer's singing as rapturous and praised the sensitive playing of pianist Craig Terry who shared the stage. An introduction by Opera Theatre founder Richard Gaddes and a surprise appearance by symphony concert master David Halen added to the fun.
At the Beacon, we’re incredibly grateful for the contributions of these artists and for the support of those who joined us for the concert and the dinner that followed. We’re grateful, too, to be part of a community that is big enough to nurture world class dreams and talent, yet small enough that the amazing is still accessible.