Young Artists Inspiring Impressionism at SAM

Holly Boaz and Marcus Shelton left quite an impression on Seattle Opera and Seattle Art Museum donors on September 10. The former Seattle Opera Young Artists, accompanied by David McDade, performed Impressionist pieces and operatic arias to coincide with SAM’s Inspiring Impressionism exhibit.

Northern Trust Corporation hosted Wednesday’s special event as part of its sponsorship of the art exhibit, which closes September 21. “I love the idea of pairing the music of the era with the paintings of the era,” said Diana Brealey, marketing and events officer for the company.

The evening included an hors d’oeuvres reception, performances by Shelton and Boaz, dedication of the SAM’s re-conditioned 1924 Steinway A piano, and exhibition viewing. There was also a painting station where inspired guests could create their own masterpieces. Seattle Opera Platinum-level donors were invited to the event as part of the benefits offered them annually.

McDade, a vocal coach and accompanist at Seattle Opera, was responsible for selecting the musical pieces for the evening. Boaz performed songs by Impressionist composers Claude Debussy and Gabriel Faure. Shelton presented opera arias from Puccini’s Bohème and Donizetti’s Rita and Elisir d’amore. For the piano dedication, McDade, who rarely plays solo works, presented a Debussy piece titled The Engulfed Cathedral. “These songs capture the dreamlike, fanciful, subtlety often associated with Impressionist music,” said McDade.