Performing Arts - Spring 2022

Singer, pianist Claire Simard will bring Musical Theater and great American songbook to Richter Arts. She is the Head of Music and Theater at the Wooster School in Danbury. She has appeared at Musicals at Richter in Annie and directed Spamalot. Favorite roles and shows include Mamma Mia, Bittersweet, and Happy End. Opera roles include Musetta in La Boheme, Pamina and 1st Lady in Magic Flute, and Fiordiligi in Cosi Fan Tutte. Claire has a B.M. in Vocal Performance from the Catholic University of America. She continued her studies at Brooklyn College Conservatory and the Conservatoire de Paris and the International Institute of Vocal Arts in Chiari, Italy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ybd0I8P8Pqo

The Ashurst Irish Dancers, under the direction of Riverdance and Lord of the Dance stars, Craig & Christina Ashurst, will lead an energetic performance of traditional and contemporary Irish dances. The group of dancers includes Regionals Champions and World Championship qualifiers. Stick around for an opportunity to learn a step yourself from the teachers of the Ashurst Academy of Irish Dance, which was recently voted "Best Dance Studio in Connecticut!"

As one of the most sought-after piano duos, the Long Duo, Beatrice and Christina Long, was hailed as artists ‘who bring new life to duo piano recitals’ (The Washington Post), and ‘superb performers’ (Audiophile Audition). Long Duo performed in venues across three continents, including the Americas, Asia and Europe. They recorded the world premiere of Dana Suesse Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra, as well as Vaughan Williams and Harl MacDonald two-piano concerti (Sono Luminus) which received rave reviews from the American Record Guide, Fanfare Magazine, and Arts Desk of London. Most recently they performed at the InterHarmony Festival in Piedmont, Italy and Sulzbach-Rosenberg, Germany; and in recitals in Montevideo and Punta del Este in Uruguay.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgjFwp6NAQ8

For decades, each member of the Roarin’ Ramblers has played in various incarnations of Dixieland/Roarin' 20's-style jazz bands. 

Considered the cream-of-the-crop for this style of music in Fairfield County, the band is looking forward to recreating the music that, 100 years ago, brought a recovering nation a new hope and spirit. 

We ask you to join us bring in the new Roaring 20’s. Come dressed up for our Roaring 20’s Costume Competition to join in the fun, win a prize, and maybe show us a dance or two.

Internationally renowned pianist Eric Clark and violinist Jung Won Yoon will delight us with classical music. 

Pianist Eric Clark has performed to great acclaim throughout much of the United States as well as in Europe and Asia, and has received numerous, prestigious awards. Eric’s solo engagements include Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto, Grieg Piano Concerto, and Chopin Piano Concerto. 

Dynamic violinist Jung Won Yoon continues to expand her horizon as a musician by appearing as a soloist and chamber musician, and she is known for her distinct level of musical empathy and delicacy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Cmz2280uZc