La Cañada Presbyterian Church will present the musical “Irving Berlin — From Rags to Ritzes” on Sunday, May 19.
The LCPC Chancel Choir, soloists and orchestra will present 36 favorite Irving Berlin songs in the swingingly hip orchestrations, with a 50-voice chorus, full 55-piece orchestra and featured soloists at 2 p.m. in the LCPC church sanctuary. The song favorites are so familiar everyone will want to sing along.
“This charming musical is dedicated to the man who came to personify American popular music during the last century,” LCPC said.
Irving Berlin came from rags to riches, rising above the tenements of New York City’s Lower East Side to become the most popular and highest-paid songwriter in the world. Filled to the brim with many of his greatest hits, including Alexander’s Ragtime Band, Cheek to Cheek, Puttin’ On The Ritz, I Love A Piano, A Simple Melody, Easter Parade, White Christmas, Gold Bless America and many more, Berlin’s inspiring story is the true embodiment of the spirit of America, and is sure to inspire and delight audiences of all ages.
Prior to the concert at 1:30 p.m., LCPC’s Director of Music and Worship Arts Jack Lantz, will present a pre-concert talk discussing Irving Berlin’s life as a refugee, the inspirations for his music.
The concert is free. La Cañada Presbyterian Church is located at 626 Foothill Blvd. The concert will also be livestreamed. Use the following link to watch at live.lacanadapc.org or watch on YouTube or Facebook.
First published in the May 16 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.
