Simpson, Choral Society to entertain at Hopelands Gardens today

The Hopelands Summer Concert Series will continue today with a performance from Maureen Simpson and the Aiken Choral Society, presented by Cumberland Village.

One of few native Aikenites, Simpson has had the privilege to study and perform with some of the world's most influential musicians. After graduating from Winthrop University, she was accepted into the prestigious Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia where she worked with conductors Max Rudolf (Curtis), Julius Rudel (Metropolitan Opera), Richard Woitach (the Met) and Richard Bonynge; directors Renato Capecchi, Frank Corsaro and Bernard Uzan and the incomparable Gian-Carlo Menotti.

Simpson has taught at USC in Columbia, Benedict College, USC Aiken and at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Ga., for the past nine years. Each January she teaches a course on opera for the Academy for Lifelong Learning at USCA. Currently, she is full-time director of music at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church and is the newly appointed artistic director of the Aiken Choral Society.

Simpson will be joined by members of the Aiken Choral Society who will regale the audience with renditions from "Carmen," "The Gondoliers" and "West Side Story." Simpson will sing a duet with tenor Max Gorensek and bass-baritone Leslie Hartley. Other singers being highlighted are Lisa McCullough, Shirley Myers, Katherine Brewer, Joe Brewer, Jonathan Thomas and Coile Scarborough.

The Hopelands Summer Concert Series will continue throughout the summer each Monday night until the end of August. All concerts will begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted and will be held at Hopelands on the Windham Performing Arts Stage.

The concert series is intended to bring the performing arts to Aiken and the surrounding area for fans of all ages. Admission to the series is free.

Hopelands Gardens is located just off Whiskey Road (Highway 19). Public parking is available at the Green Boundary Club on Whiskey Road across from the Gardens.

Handicap, performers and staff parking will be located at Rye Patch. There is no parking on Berrie Road or Dupree Place.

Call 643-4661 for information on concert time/location in the event of rain. Call 642-7631 for more information on the concert series schedule.