SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Hello to my Culturally Inclined Tahoe Friends! Michelle Gomez here with Tahoe Art League. It’s been a whirlwind of events the last ten days, and I’m remiss in getting these articles out sooner.  Yesterday had me preoccupied with LTCC’s Taste of Gold (my first time and I can’t wait for next year!) And the Celebration of Life for Giada Lancelotti last Monday at Valhalla is forever in my mind and heart, bittersweet and uplifting all at once.

But now I can tell you about two amazing performances at the Valhalla Boathouse Theatre over the last couple of weeks, both of which were headlined by fabulous female singers and accompanied by well-known, accomplished musicians.

Let’s start with my friend Ania Helwing, and her show titled, “Feelings: Closed in Sculpture and a Musical Moment.” Born and raised in Poland, Ania is a classically trained soprano whose voice and stage presence truly showcase her passion for performing music to an adoring audience. This one-night-only performance included her brother Bartlomiej on guitar, and her sister Katarzyna playing one of Diana Woodbury’s priceless violins. And the harpist Marina from Reno was a sight to behold with her majestic instrument, with the stunning backdrop of the grand window overlooking the Lake.

Tom Callahan narrated, and sculptures by beloved artist David Foster adorned the stage. It was a beautiful family debut for Ania and her siblings, the first time they had played together in the US. Voices, music, harmony in the family and on stage. Ania has always had a very provocative and evocative style of singing, you feel like she is looking you right in the eyes, singing right to you with her intensity.  Emotions came out in the song “The Nightingale” by D. Henson-Conant. The repertoire also included pieces by Handel, Mozart, and Chopin.

At intermission,  I asked my nearby audience members for their thoughts and impressions, turned out that accomplished organist David Brock was two seats away, and he told me that one of his favorite composers is John Dowland (1563-1626). Ania and the musicians performed two of Dowland’s pieces, with absolutely incredible musicality coming from the Boathouse stage that night. More commentary from the audience: “I am exhausted with the intensity”. “I breathe with her”. “Really emotional!” 

And then the real theatrics began when the three lovely ladies changed into red gowns and let their bunned hairdos down. As Ania’s sister strode out in her stunning red one-sleeved gown, the crowd went wild with applause, with the front two rows of 6 little girls filling the seats, hooting and hollering. Next to the girls was my favorite Nonagenarian, Dr. Larry Foster, applauding just as loudly;  so many generations of music lovers in the house that night. The harpist slithered out in her red sequin gown, took her seat and took command of that unusual and elegant instrument,  her fingers controlling every note. WOW. 

Oh, and of course, I must mention, the esteemed conductor James Rawie, and his lovely lady, Fancy Nancy, were there to support Ania and friends. 

The second half of the show was filled with uplifting songs of hope and joy. Exquisite guitar playing by Ania’s brother, thoughtful and intentional, heartfelt and intense. Closing out the show was a feisty rendition of Edith Piaf’s La Vie En Rose, the spot-on “acting” with vocal intentions was superb, and Tom Callahan humming on in was just terrific. Then they closed out the show with John Denver’s “Annie’s Song”, a song he supposedly wrote in 15 minutes. As Tom Callahan and his strong voice joined in, I looked back at the audience behind me, and people were smiling, crying, and rocking back and forth. There was a standing ovation and Bravos!

Another wonderful night of talent in this very special small town! 

Michelle Gomez, Tahoe Art League