First Presbyterian Church will host a concert, Best Songs Around the World: The Un-forgotten Art of Olga Praguer Coelho, on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 4 p.m. in the sanctuary. The performance will feature Dr. Elena Mindlina (soprano) accompanied by local musicians Miguel Bonachea (classical guitar), Dr. Jacob Craig (piano), and Gretchen Cover (harp).
The church is located at 520 Royal Palm Boulevard in Vero Beach. Admission is free to the community; a $10 donation is suggested.
The performance honors the legacy of Olga Coelho, one of the most significant Brazilian musicians of all time. Rooted firmly in songs of her Brazilian homeland, Ms. Coelho’s recitals embraced music from all over the world. She sang fluently in many languages, including Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, French, English, and even Maori. Reflecting the artist’s wide-ranging musical interests, this program will feature some of the best-known folk songs of the Americas, arranged by the legendary Andrés Segovia, as well as the classical masterpieces of Russia and Europe by Rimski-Korsakov, Villa-Lobos, De Falla, Scarlatti, and The Queen Marie-Antoinette.
Russian-born Soprano Elena Mindlina maintains a busy career as a recitalist and teacher in the United States and Russia. She has recorded a world premiere CD, Nikolai Tcherepnin: Songs, released in London and given a five-star rating by BBC Music Magazine. In recent years, Ms. Mindlina toured Russia five times giving solo recitals, masterclasses, and lectures in many cities and halls, including the renowned Moscow & St. Petersburg Conservatories. In New York, she appeared in various venues, such as Lincoln Center’s Merkin Hall, Steinway Hall, Yamaha Hall, The Town Hall, Symphony Space, and The National Opera Center Recital Hall. Ms. Mindlina has also earned a number of lead theatrical roles including Eliogabalo, The Stone Guest, Boris Godunov, South Pacific, Roberta, and Merry Widow. Dr. Mindlina holds a Master of Music degree in Violin Performance (Saratov State Conservatoire, Russia), a professional diploma in Musical Theater (The Musical & Dramatic Academy, New York), and a Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in Vocal Performance (State University of New York at Stony Brook).
For more information please contact Ginger Lagemann, Music and Arts Administrator, at (772) 562-9088 or ginger@firstpresvero.org.