SODELO’s mission is to transform and uplift Southern Delaware through the power of live orchestral music. On March 28 and 29th, under the baton of maestro James Allen Anderson, they will deliver a program that will do just that.
THE MUSIC: BRIDGING WIT AND ENERGY
“This program celebrates the human spirit, bridging the wit of the Old World and the boundless energy of the New,” said Maestro Anderson.
We open with the overture to Mozart’s brilliant final opera, “The Magic Flute,” a work of fantasy and fairy tales, often considered his finest and completed just weeks before his death. The Turis will then perform beloved duets and arias from other Mozart operas.
After intermission, the orchestra will perform Antonín Dvořák’s cherished Symphony No. 9, “From the New World,” which he wrote and premiered in America. Deeply influenced by American spirituals and folk traditions, this powerful work is a cornerstone of the orchestral repertoire and his most familiar piece – so familiar that Neil Armstrong even took a recording to the moon. The choice of this piece is a reflection of SODELO’s support and celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
Maestro Anderson selected the program to both celebrate music that audiences already love and to introduce them to pieces that will broaden their classical horizons. “Whether you are a lifelong classical fan or attending your very first concert, there is a melody in this program that will stay with you long after the final note,” promised Anderson.
THE TURIS RETURN
SODELO is thrilled to welcome Bass-Baritone Joseph Turi, a Metropolitan Opera Chorus veteran, and his wife, Coloratura-Soprano Ellen Turi, back to the stage. The couple, renowned for their extensive opera, musical theater, and sacred music repertoire, recently celebrated 20 years of marriage.
“As Lewes residents, we’re proud to return to SODELO this March,” said Ms. Turi. “Since our first performance in their inaugural season, the orchestra’s growth has been remarkable, and we can’t wait to share these beautiful Mozart arias and duets with our community.”
The Turis were SODELO’s very first soloists, performing at the sold-out 2022 holiday concert at Camp Arrowhead in Lewes, and the community eagerly anticipates their inspiring return.
TICKETS FOR THE CONCERTS are available at SODELOMUSIC.ORG or at the door. Performances are March 28 and Epworth UMC in Rehoboth Beach and at Cape Henlopen High School on the 29th, both at 3PM. General admission is $25, with discounts for students, veterans and active military, and groups.
A CHANGING OF THE GUARD
Following the end of his term, SODELO Co-Founder and President Steve Greifer has stepped down, with the transition quietly occurring during the holiday Messiah performances. Greifer will remain on the board and in the orchestra, enthusiastically welcoming lead percussionist and dynamic board member Stephen Mohr as the new President.
Greifer expressed full confidence in his successor, stating, “It is a privilege and a comfort to be able to look ahead to a future under Stephen’s guidance. There is no one better equipped to lead this evolution than Stephen. His commitment, strategic mind, business acumen, dedication to the music, and deep understanding of SODELO’s mission are exactly what the orchestra needs right now.”
Mr. Mohr, a Yale-educated timpanist and retired North American General Counsel for Astra Zeneca, has the organization’s full confidence to steer SODELO toward matching artistic ambitions with strong operational and outreach goals.
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SODELO is Sussex County’s own volunteer symphony orchestra, dedicated to enriching the community’s quality of life and cultural landscape through orchestral music. Since its founding in 2022 as a string ensemble of 32 players, the orchestra has grown to a full orchestra of 75 musicians, including winds, brass, and percussion. Its diverse membership includes students, professionals, music teachers, retirees, veterans, and more.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR FEATURED PERFORMERS:
Joseph Turi, Bass-Baritone
Joseph Turi is a veteran of the Grammy-winning Metropolitan Opera Chorus, where he has performed more than 150 solo appearances. At the Met, his featured roles include the Messenger (La Traviata), the Guard (Rigoletto), and both Customs Officer and Sergeant (La Bohème).
Regional credits include Billy Bigelow (Carousel), Dr. Malatesta (Don Pasquale), and Belcore (L’Elisir d’Amore) with the Albany Symphony Orchestra at Shaker Mountain Opera (Berkshires) – a production that also introduced him to soprano Ellen, who would later become his wife. Additional highlights include Poo-Bah (The Mikado) and Sir Roderick Murgatroyd (Ruddigore). He has also appeared internationally in Israel with IVAI and in Japan with the Metropolitan Opera Chorus, and has performed in Italy on the Amalfi Coast, including Marcello (La Bohème) and Alfio (Cavalleria Rusticana). Joseph holds a bachelor’s degree in history and music from The College of William & Mary.
Ellen Turi, Lyric Coloratura Soprano
Ellen Turi is a versatile lyric coloratura soprano known for her dynamic performances in opera, musical theater, and sacred music. Signature roles include Queen of the Night and Pamina (Die Zauberflöte) with Greenwich Village Orchestra in NY and Amalfi Coast Orchestra in Italy, as well as the title role in Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor with Regina Opera. Her repertoire also includes the Countess (Le Nozze di Figaro), Donna Anna (Don Giovanni), Adina (L’Elisir d’Aamore), Antonia (Les Contes d’Hoffmann), and Lauretta (Gianni Schicchi) with the Albany Symphony Orchestra. She has appeared in concert at Carnegie Hall with Opera Orchestra of New York and at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall.
In addition to her performing career, Ellen is a Managing Director at a Big Four accounting firm. She holds a Bachelor of Music from James Madison University and an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business. She continues vocal studies in Manhattan with Carol Yahr and Josh Greene.
Based in Lewes, Ellen and Joseph regularly share music with their community through pop-up opera concerts, church services in Lewes, Bethany, and Rehoboth, and private voice lessons. They recently celebrated 20 years of marriage and are proud parents of two daughters, Valentina (15) and Juliana (12).
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