By JANICE RANDALL

Vashon Allied Arts

Two rare evenings of opera will be held at the Blue Heron when

Vashon duo Jennifer and Andrew Krikawa perform scenes from American operas as part of Vashon Allied Arts’ New Works 2008 series. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 and 11.

Directed by Elizabeth Ripley, the evening will include Menotti’s “Amelia Goes to the Ball” and Barber’s “Antony and Cleopatra.”

Organizers promised the program showcases the English-language works with character, emotion, wit and beautiful singing.

The Krikawas will be joined by Marita Ericksen and Joe Farmer, accompanied by pianist Evan Stults. Megan Armezzani will provide lighting design, Lillian Ripley will design costumes and set, and Danielle Horn will be costume mistress and photographer.

The Krikawas, relative newcomers to Vashon, hail from the East Coast. Jennifer, a Connecticut native, has sung for opera companies including New York City Opera, Virginia Opera and Connecticut Opera.

She appeared at Carnegie Hall as the soprano soloist for Scarlatti’s “Dixit Dominus,” Vaughan Willieam’s “Benedicite” and Poulenc’s “Gloria.” She has been a soloist with Vashon Island Chorale for several years.

Andrew Krikawa, baritone, sang for companies including New York City Opera, Pittsburgh Opera, Virginia Opera, Opera Festival of New Jersey, Nashville Opera and Annapolis Opera.

Career highlights include his appearances with Pittsburgh Opera as Albert in “Werther” and performances of “Cosí fan tutte” with the Orchestra of St. Luke’s.

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