Saturday evening’s “Night at the Met” was an amazing event for our community and for attendees.

The evening at Catawba College began with cocktails and hors d’oeurvres, following by dinner in the Crystal Lounge. After dinner, attendees were ushered to Hedrick Auditorium for an intimate concert with Metropolitan Opera soprano Jennifer Rowley.

She gave a stunning, 90-minute vocal performance that demonstrated how incredible the human voice can be, with startling range, superior control and strong emotions rarely heard outside of opera today.

Those who are opera lovers were treated to extraordinary renditions of both popular and lesser-known operatic pieces. Others were introduced to this art form by a very skilled and personable artisan.

Accompanying Rowley was Salisbury’s Matthew Michael Brown. As accompanist, his role is to highlight and provide the underpinnings to Jennifer’s endeavors. He did so brilliantly, never overwhelming yet always there for her. Additionally, their obvious friendship and mutual respect helped deliver a very special concert for all in the audience.

A “Night at the Met” was a fund-raiser for the Salisbury Symphony and turnout was large and enthusiastic.

Salisbury can be justified in its pride for having a symphony, now in its 52nd year after being founded by the administration of both Livingstone and Catawba Colleges. Those who attended Saturday evening enjoyed a wonderful musical experience few cities our size ever get to enjoy.

A special thanks to the performers, who gave their talent; contributors, who gave of their treasure; and volunteers, who gave of their time, to make this “Night at the Met” an evening to fondly remember. And thanks to all attendees for their participation in keeping the symphony alive and vital in Salisbury.

— John Schaffer

Salisbury

Editor’s note: Schaffer is chair of the Salisbury Symphony Board of Directors.