STAFF
The Sharon®L. Morse
PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Dear Patron of the Arts,
Welcome to The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center!
Much like the building’s namesake, my grandmother, Sharon L. Morse, we love all varieties of the performing arts here. It is in her memory that I, along with my amazing team of artists and arts administrators, strive to bring many different types of the highest quality entertainment here to The Sharon.
Since opening in 2015, we have strived to establish your trust, that a show at The Sharon is a show worth seeing. Perhaps you find yourself here today to see a concert of one of your favorite musicians, or to take in the national tour of a Broadway show. Either way, we encourage you to consider trying out a new show that perhaps you haven’t heard of before, knowing that it has been intentionally curated by our team.
We welcome you to The Sharon: a place for you to see an old favorite, but also a place to discover your new favorite. I sincerely hope you enjoy the show today, and I look forward to seeing you here again soon!
See You at The Sharon, Whitney Morse
Artistic Director
ART. ARTISTS. AUDIENCE.
SIGNIFICANT PRODUCTIONS (SIGPRO) is a Non-Profit arts organization that operates The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center (The Sharon) & The Studio Theatre Tierra del Sol (The Studio).
OUR MISSION; SigPro cultivates a diverse collaborative community with a focus on artists' well-being that strives to provoke thought and spark conversation through high quality performing arts. YOUR HELP GOES A LONG WAY! LEARN MORE & DONATE ON OUR WEBSITE
Thank You
FOR SUPPORTING SIGNIFICANT PRODUCTIONS
In order of contributions:
MULTI-DONORS
Mary Homko
Donna Taylor
Russell Jones
INDIVIDUAL DONORS
Sarah Lindmeier
Patricia Schlemmer
Jon Cronin
Private Donor
Fidelity Charitable
Private Donor
Attendees at The Sharon's
9th Birthday Lobby Lunch
Lynn & Kathy Glassock
Sharon Curry
Ron Kravet
Bob Kendi
April & David Linscott
Honey & David Kirk
John McAuley
Melissa Warner
Marge Alder
Russell Jones
Marianna Niesen
Liza Diana Walters
Donna Silver
Jim Ward
Roger & Karen Kass
Xiomara Guevara Medoza
Edward & Gale Labuda
Nancy Garrison
Marie Connolly
Stan Ackerman
Giuseppina (Jo) Jones
IN HONOR OF Peg Fiore
Jason Goedken
& Whitney Morse
Alice Stogden
Ursula Becker
Thank you to our anonymous donors.
SEP 1-MAY 10
Tuesday, October 15 ........................... American Italian Celebration
Tuesday, November 19 ...................................................... Messiah
Tuesday, December 17 .................................... Holiday Celebration
Wednesday, December 18 ............................... Holiday Celebration
Sunday, January 26 ................................... Classical Concert Series
Friday, February 14 ............... American Music: Celebration of Love
Sunday, March 9 ........................................ Classical Concert Series
Tuesday, April 8.......................................... Classical Concert Series
Tuesday, May 10 ... Opera Gala: Magical Moments of Opera Scenes
ANNUAL FUNDRAISING EVENT PRESENTS
THE GRECIAN GALA
Music By Orchestra Ensemble
Silent Auction • Live Auction
Dinner • Dancing
FEB 26, 2025 • 5-9pm
$175 • On Sale Now!
Thank you to friends of The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra and tonight’s Sponsors for the American/Italian Celebration concert.
JOSEPH & MARLENE BORDA
Joe Borda ’67 Eng is founder and president of several construction-related companies, having started his first business, Borda Engineer & Energy Consultants, in 1969. His prolific career has been successful because of his handson approach to the building process, the care he takes to conserve the land surrounding his properties, and the complete services he provides.
Borda pioneered load-bearing masonry lift-wall systems for public housing in mid-to high-rise buildings. These systems are now incorporated into current building codes across the country. His clients include churches, universities, shopping centers, commercial buildings, custom residential housing, and lower-income senior citizens residencies.
In 1986, Borda founded Gulf Landings Corporation to develop a 2,500-acre waterfront property on the gulf coast of Florida. Borda also developed Schooner Place, Heather Cove, Egrets Landing, and harbor Colony in Pasco County, FL, along with single-family homes and subdivisions in Pinellas County, FL. The corporation was responsible for all infrastructure from roadways to utilities. Borda credits Penn State for not only providing him with the knowledge he needed to become a respected master builder, but also for the values he learned.
Borda is a registered architect and a licensed professional engineer in several states from New Jersey to Florida. He is a life member of the Penn State Alumni Association and is a strong supporter of Penn State and the Department of Architectural Engineering. Borda’s two daughters, Jennifer and Elisabeth, are both Penn State graduates. He and his wife, Marlene, live in Clearwater Beach, FL.
PART ONE
1. West Side Story Selections
2. Chitarra Romana
3. Summertime
4. ‘O Marenariello
5. Parlami d’amore mariu
6. Perfect Symphony
7. Vilja
8. Did You Hear the People Sing
9. On the Street Where You Live
10. Because You’re Mine
Intermission
PART TWO
1. Symphonic Dance
2. Largo al factotum
3. Io son l’umile ancella
4. Parla più piano
5. Bella siccome un angelo
6. I could have danced all night
7. Mi manchi
8. How Could I Ever Know
9. Tu ca nun chiagne
10. Anthem
MESSAGE FROM THE MAESTRO
Dear friends and supporters of The Villages Philharmonic,
Tonight’s concert celebrates the rich musical traditions of Italy and America, highlighting the enduring bond between these two cultures. Since the 1800s, many Italians have come to the United States in pursuit of the American dream, leaving an indelible mark on its cultural landscape. Among these legacies is the profound connection of renowned Italian tenors like Enrico Caruso and, more recently, Luciano Pavarotti, with iconic venues such as New York’s Metropolitan Opera.
In this spirit, we proudly present tonight’s performance, which spans a variety of musical genres – from opera to Broadway and traditional Italian songs – reflecting the vibrant exchange between these two nations.
Thank you for your continued support,
Maestro Pasquale Valerio Founder, Director, and Chair of The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra
PASQUALE VALERIO, MAESTRO
Pasquale Valerio is an internationally acclaimed Orchestral Conductor. In 2004 he founded The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra, became its musical director, and is still engaged in concerts and tours throughout Florida and worldwide. Maestro Valerio was also the founder of the Lake Sumter Chamber Orchestra as well as co-founder and conductor of the Florida Lakes Symphony from 2005 to 2006.
He collaborates with various European orchestras such as the Philharmonic Orchestra ‘900 of the Teatro Regio Opera in Turin, the Philharmonic Orchestra of Prague, the Virtuosi of the Accademia di Santa Cecilia, the Virtuosi of the Philharmonic of Bacau, the “A. Scarlatti” Symphony Orchestra of Naples, Orchestra Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia. In 2006 had the opportunity to assist Sir Antonio Pappano, current Music Director of the Royal Opera House in London This collaboration represented a great point of reference for maestro Valerio and indelibly marked his experience of conducting growth. From 2007 to 2009 he collaborated with the internationally known Viotti music festival in Vercelli, Italy and in May 2018 he began an ongoing cooperation with the North California Music Festival as guest conductor. Pasquale Valerio was born in Naples to a family linked to cultural traditions and founding religious values. The great passion for music was evident from the first years of his life, but, only towards the tenth year of age did he begin his musical studies, first with the piano, and subsequently, at the age of thirteen years, when he began studying trumpet. It is in this period that Pasquale met Maestro Filippo Veniero, an important musical guide for subsequent studies. He studied trumpet at the school of Maestro Francesco Lentini, Bari Conservatory, with whom he obtained the middle completion and, subsequently under the guidance of Maestro Diego Benedusi, he obtained the superior completion of trumpet.
After completing his trumpet studies, he collaborated as an instrumentalist with orchestras of major opera and symphonic institutions including the Opera House “Teatro di San Carlo in Naples “and with other major opera orchestras and symphonic institutions. Simultaneously he studied Composition and Score Reading at the School of Maestro Filippo Veniero.
The meeting with two conductors, J Withney and Gunther Smidth (United States) conditioned the musical journey and made it possible that in 1998 Pasquale resumed his studies started in Naples with F. Veniero. Also important was the meeting with the famous conductor Anton Coppola in 1999, who became Pasquale’s mentor and guide.
MAESTRO
Pasquale is a guest collaborator at festivals and international competitions, including:
International Piano Competition “F. Schubert” in San Cristoforo Virtuosi of the Bacau Philharmonic, Romania, Viotti Music Festival, Camerata Ducale, Italy, Piano Festival of Carrara/Arezzo Orchestra 900’ of the Teatro Regio of Turin, Oída Symphony Orchestra (Arezzo) Philharmonic Orchestra of Benevento, New Orchestra Scarlatti and Florida Philharmonia
In the academic year 2023 he was appointed Visiting Professor of Conducting Studies at the “London Performing Arts Academy” and at the end of 2023, appointed Honor Roll of “ALTAMURA MERCADANTE FEST”.
FEATURED
SAMANTHA BARNES DANIEL
Central Florida native soprano, Samantha Barnes Daniel performs actively as a soloist and chamber musician throughout the area. She earned her bachelor’s degree in vocal performance from the University of Central Florida and her master’s degree in opera and vocal performance from Northwestern University. She is a two-time National semi-finalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and was a Sarah Tucker Grant Nominee in the Richard Tucker Foundation Competition. Ms. Barnes Daniel has performed with numerous organizations in the state and throughout the country such as Opera Orlando, The Orlando Philharmonic, Opera Tampa, Chautauqua Opera, Arizona Opera, The Illinois Philharmonic, The Villages Philharmonic, The Voices of Liberty and many others. Recent stage credits include the Mother in Hansel & Gretel, and Catherine of Aragon in Opera Orlando and Helena’s award winning Orlando Fringe show, 6 of VIII, for which she also wrote the book. She also maintains a private voice studio in Central Florida and serves on the voice faculty at Rollins College.
SEAN CHRISTOPHER STORK
Sean Christopher Stork, lyric baritone, has been singing across the state of Florida since graduating from Florida State University in 2007, including regular engagements with Opera Tampa as well as First Coast Opera in St. Augustine, The Florida Lyric Opera in Tampa, and the Villages Philharmonic, Imperial Symphony, and Orlando Philharmonic Orchestras. A strong supporter of modern music, his original works have been recorded on two CDs by the Basilica Choir of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe. Mr Stork is currently performing across the country with Diversita Opera Arts Company, Opera Tampa, The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra; Orlando Philharmonic; The Hudson Valley Chorale; Orlando Harmony; Orlando Exchange; the Dickens Carolers; and the Basilica Choir of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe.
FEATURED ARTISTS
MARK ANTONIO DE VILLERS
Mark Antonio de Villiers is a seasoned classical tenor with over 20 years of experience captivating audiences with his powerful and emotive performances. He has graced the stages of renowned opera houses such as Florida Grand Opera, Palm Beach Opera, Treasure Coast Opera, and Chautauqua Opera, showcasing his exceptional vocal talent and artistry. Mark has also collaborated with esteemed orchestras in Florida, including Marlena Urbay’s Florida Chamber Orchestra, American Ideal under the direction of Bella Smith, and The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Pasquale Valerio. With a rich and diverse musical background, Mark Antonio de Villiers continues to enchant listeners with his captivating voice and passion for the classical arts.
FLUTE
Nicolas Real, Principal
Geraldine Barazarte
OBOE
Amy Collins, Principal
CLARINET
Jason Gibbs, Principal
BASSOON
Chris Eberle, Principal
FRENCH HORN
Dann O’Donnell, Principal
Klae Peek
TRUMPET
John De Paola, Principal
Luis Diego Mora Ferreira
TROMBONE
Kenton Campbell, , Principal
Jeremy Fielder
BASS TROMBONE
Anthony Hill
TUBA
Paul Mungall
TYMPANI
Jordan Holley
PERCUSSION
Christian Snedeker
Simon Ramos
PIANO
Joe Irrera
GUITAR
Luis Guerrero
ORCHESTRA ROSTER
FIRST VIOLIN
Stewart Kitts, Concertmaster
Marius Tabacilia
Jose Guédez
Michael De Jesus
Carlos Jaques
Baoling Xu
David Qi
Scott Knopf
SECOND VIOLIN
Gregory Carreño, Principal
Elizabeth Kitts
Israel Mendez
Isabella Diaz
Luisamar Navarro
Daniel Herrera
Yenifer Laurens
Marialejandra Vasquez
VIOLA
Richard Urbano, Principal
Juan Carlos Siviero
Joshua Cordova
Andrea Oliveira
Francia Laurens
CELLO
David Calhoun
Olga Beliaieva
Roy Garcia
Helen Lewis
DOUBLE BASS
Kevin Gallagher, Principal
John Di Mura
Leniot Hernandez
VPO DONORS 2024-25 CONCERT SEASON
ORCHESTRA CIRCLE
$10,000+
Dr. Robert & Karen Chaikin
Margaret M. Dick
Linda Ferens
Maurice & Betsy Joy
Dean & Audrey Throndsen
Marlene & Joe Borda
MAESTRO CIRCLE
$5,000 – $9,999
Augusto Bernardini
Jeff & Ursula Bergman
Jason Goedken
David & JoAnne Kelch
Diane Kupchak
Peter & Mary Jane Moeller
Mary Thomas
Don & Bonnie Waggoner
SYMPHONY
CIRCLE
$2,500 – $4,999
Avrum Abramowitz
Steve & Donna Bell
Bonnie Carnes
Sarah Jordan
CONCERTO CIRCLE
$1,000 – $2,499
Anonymous Donor
John Canner
Dennis R. Carney
David Colvin
Charlotte Conway
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph DeVuono
Lois Fisch
Charlotte & John Gates
Jeanne Geoffrion Pod
Ralph Gingery
Jay & Lesly Ginsberg
Carol Guglielm
Richard & Estella Hoag
Janet Howell
Diane Kupchak
Doris Martin
George Neal
Mike Whitfield &
Darlene Pruett
Richard & Charlotte
Rahm
Ken & Mary Shutts
Dr. & Mrs. Winfred
Stringer
Abbott & June Webber
Keith & Randee
Workowski
OVERTURE CIRCLE
$500 – $999
Dennis Barker
Katheryn Batman
Robert Becker
Roger & Julie Cooper
Ruth DiMare
Barbara Dipol
William & Judith Doran
Noel Kott
William & Sharron
Leonhirth
Robert & Sara McPhail
Clint & Michelle Newman
Paul & Dorian
Schnirring
Joan Spires
Kathy Sumner
Dr. Laurie Ullery
Andrea Ziccarelli
SUITE CIRCLE
$100 – $499
Bernie & Elizabeth Albrecht
Gene Armani
Randall & Gemma
Benjamin
Linda Boese
Doug & Sharon Bretz
Dora Bryan
Thomas & Linda Casey
Irene Coen
Marie Connolly
Kenny & Elizabeth Constant
Glenda Crandall
James & Karen Donavan
Mary Dzuro
Louise Elwood
Greg & Mary Feichtel
Jack & Nancy Fieldman
Leslie Flanders
Mia Ford
William & Gail
Fraser-Giacchi
Lisa French
Peter Fritz & Carol Mangan
VPO DONORS 2024-25 CONCERT SEASON
Mary Ann Garback
Alan Geller
Richard & Camille Gehnrich
Greg & Carolynn Gilbert
Sheldon & Shelley Goldseker
Doris Goodwin
Richard Hall
David & Kathleen Haviland
Debbie Halye
Richard & Susan Jacobs
Dan & Carol Johns in Honor of Ann Whipple
Marlene Knopf
Brad Koozman
James Langendorfer in Honor of Anna Whipple
Gregory & Bonnie Larson
Stefano & Karen Marcuard/Shaw
Gayle Marra
Eileen McCabe
James McQuiniff
Nick & Donna Meister
Harold & Roberta Messenheimer
Kathleen Miller
Thomas Murphy
Fritz & Debbie Neal
John Nickelson
Phillip Oliveira
Bob & Georgann Ozbolt
Robert A. Phillips
Ron & Grace Ranger
Jeremy & Barbara Reynolds
Norman Lee & Terri Schaffer
Henry Safford
Frank & Deborah Salerno
Paul & Rita Segnatelli
Andrew & Mary Sloan
George Stenz
Ronald Streib
Tony & Joanne Sutylo
Donna Thompson
Roy & Jackie Ullrich
Richard & Grace Waller
Robert & Joan Waller
Marie Washburn
Jeffrey Wheeler
Anna Whipple
Tera White
Theresa R. White
Carole Williamson
Bob & Debbie Wilson
Patricia Wilson
Mary Yankowski
Stuart & Barbara
Yowell in Honor of Anna Whipple
Joseph Zientara
ARIA CIRCLE
Up to $99
Barbara Athanasiou
Susan Escobedo
Paul F. Gaecke
Jordan Galvarino
Paul & Ann Hagerty
Valery Heyduk
K. L. Hoffman
Irene Hong-McAtee
Lora MacPherson
Margaret Mecheski
Joanne Michalski
Donald Mooty
Robert Muzzi
Patrice Pastore
Geraldine Piscitelli
Marianne Reinhard
Sally Rowe
Erika Schaffer
Joyce Smidt
Robert Smidt
Robert & Charlene Soos
Robert & Glenda Supino
Joy Turpie
C & H Van Benthuysen
Eric Williams
Susan Wright
MEMORIAL DONATIONS
Bill Barnes: Susan Escobedo
Fred Boyd: Frank & Janet Argenziano
Fred Boyd:
Mr. & Mrs. Manning
Fred Boyd: Don & Janet Schiegel
Carolyn Johnson: Richard Johnson
BUSINESS PARTNERS
Blackston Financial Advisory Group
FMK Restaurant Group
Francesco’s Ristorante
Fross & Fross Wealth Management
Havana Country Club & Legacy Restaurant at Nancy Lopez Country Club by Suleiman Family Restaurants
Royal Décor Company
SIGPRO ANNUAL SPONSORS
Significant Productions would like to thank our Annual Sponsors for The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center
PRIVATE BOX experience
ENJOY YOUR NEXT SHOW AT THE SHARON LIKE A VIP!
• Private experience for up to 15 guests.
• Private lounge for the evening including home-like furnishings, private facilities, and direct access to the auditorium box for comfortable viewing of your show.
• Upgrades available such as a private bartender or personalized celebratory furnishings.
To explore accommodations and availability, please contact Yasmeen@SignificantProductions.org
The Villages® Community Sarasota Plaza | 352-775-1772 312 Heald Way handandstonethevillages.com
The Villages® Community Southern Trace | 352-461-1740 3433 Wedgewood Lane handandstonesoutherntrace.com
Month-to-Month Membership Program Available
*Introductory offers valid for first-time visit only and not valid towards gift cards. Sessions include time for consultation and dressing. Limited time offer. Rates and services may vary by location. Independently Owned & Operated. ©2024 Hand & Stone Corp. Franchises Available. MM39256/ CE10017237, MM43233/CE10034642
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For information on prices, ad sizes, and availability, please email us at marketing@significantproductions.org.
