Celtic Soirée

Résonance, Omaha’s premier professional vocal ensemble, celebrates the Irish holiday with a spectacular gala of Gaelic proportions, the Celtic Soirée.

Conceived by Artistic Director Ernest Richardson and Broadway Director Parker Esse (Physicians Mutual Omaha Symphony Christmas Celebration), the voices of Résonance will present an evening of dreams, travel, toasts and love. Featuring traditional Irish music along with selections from Brigadoon, Titanic and more, this special concert will raise community awareness and capacity, including the organization’s education and wngagement programs, on Sunday, March 16, 5:30 pm at the Omaha Conservatory of Music. The evening’s entertainment will feature guest artists Market Reed, baritone and Karina Brazas, soprano. Reed has performed with The Metropolitan Opera (Porgy and Bess) and was recently with the Omaha Symphony (Physicians Mutual Omaha Symphony Christmas Celebration, Independence Day Celebration) and Opera Omaha (X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X).

Brazas performs frequently with the Omaha Symphony, Opera Omaha and was recently Mother in
Résonance’s 2023 production of Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. Brazas is a teaching artist at the Omaha Conservatory of Music. The event will highlight the Résonance Youth Ensemble who recently performed in the Physicians Mutual Omaha Symphony Christmas Celebration and the Résonance 2023 production of Godspell (2012) directed by Broadway Artist Tiffany Haas (Wicked). Many of those in the Youth Ensemble study with Brazas.

“Singing with the Résonance Youth Ensemble gives students the opportunity to perform at a high level with industry professionals. My students come away excited and energized by the experiences of singing with the Omaha Symphony, and collaborating with artists from Broadway and beyond, “ shares Brazas, Artist-Faculty for Voice at the Omaha Conservatory of Music. “They have learned how to work hard under pressure, how to listen and when to lead. These skills, and the grit it takes to do this high-level work, are invaluable.”

Joining the youth are members of Résonance as well as representatives of the Omaha Conservatory’s Frontier Strings Ensemble, including violinist Leah Bessmer. Associate Music Director and award-winning composer (American Guild of Organists) Mark Kurtz will music direct with instrumentalists Mike Frederickson (bass), Jeanne Cahill (guitar) and Vince Krysl (percussion).

The evening will begin with dinner, catered by Chef Around the Block’s master chef Dan Benigno, and
signature cocktails by mixologist James Kaup of The Verdict. Guests can participate in the silent auction of specially curated experiences and items. During the entertainment, guests can enjoy delicious dessert from artisan baker Brianne Wyatt of Breeze Bakery.

Résonance performs with Markel Reed and Karina Brazas in the one-night-only CELTIC SOIREE gala
on Saturday, March 16 at 5:30 pm at Omaha Conservatory of Music, 72nd and Cass, Omaha.
All proceeds support the efforts to increase capacity in the community of sharing music through song, funding new and ongoing education programs including the Young Artist Immersion Program, a season-long apprenticeship program for high school students that includes learning performance skills and technique and participating in master classes. The evening is generously sponsored by honorary chair of the event, Joseph Maher.

The Celtic Soirée is available at various price ranges, starting at $45. Tickets are available at the door;
advanced ticket purchase is encouraged. Generous and accessible free parking is available. Tickets can be purchased at resonancevoices.org/events or for more information contact info@resonancevoices.org.

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Résonance, Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization of professional singers based in Omaha, Nebraska, whose mission is to engage, inspire and challenge those engaged through eclectic and innovative vocal music performances and compelling collaborations. The ensemble believes that all vocal and choral music is, at its heart, about sharing stories. It undertakes all repertoire—regardless of genre or content—to provide unlimited, unmatched and unforgettable experiences for its audiences. Since its founding in 2012, the professional voices have performed with Grammy and Emmy award-winners, Broadway directors and artists, Nebraska Choral Directors Association and appear frequently with the Omaha Symphony and the Gallup at Work Summit. Résonance offers a variety of programs for youth, including a season-long immersion program for high school students. In 2022, Résonance premiered the Festival Choir, a choir of singers from around the community who specialize in performing choral-orchestral works. Résonance released its debut album Pilgrimage – A Journey in Choral Music (2020) by MSR Classics, available now on all major streaming services. For more information, visit resonancevoices.org.