Rites of Spring Music Festival Presenting Holiday Benefit Concert

Earlier this year, the Rites of Spring Music Festival (ROSMF) enchanted audiences with a four part virtual “Music & Tell” series. On Saturday, December 19, the East End-based festival is back with a special virtual Holiday Benefit Concert.

The program, which commences at 4:00 p.m., will feature classical music favorites and Christmas classics performed by Rites of Spring Music Festival founder, artistic director, and pianist Paolo Bartolani and soprano Ashley Galvani Bell. The seasonal show will encompass Antonin Dvořák’s Song to the Moon from Rusalka, Giacomo Puccini’s Quando men vo from Boheme, Lucy Simon’s How Could I Ever Know from The Secret Garden, Leo Delibes’ Les Filles de Cadix, Caccini arr. Vavilov’s Ave Maria, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and Oh Holy Night.

In addition to the concert, Rites of Spring Music Festival is holding an online silent auction to support the 501(c) non-profit’s mission of involving, enriching and inspiring the Long Island community and audiences through extraordinary classical and contemporary music experiences. The auction will include food and wine, goods, experiences, educational opportunities, arts, and more. Bidding ends Sunday, December 20.

“We are so grateful for, moved and inspired by the tremendous outpouring of support and contributions to our auction campaign,” shared Bartolani. “It’s no secret how challenging this year has been for everyone and, like many other organizations, we’ve had to adapt. Thank you to all of you for helping keep the arts alive and the music going.”

Registration for the Holiday Benefit Concert is free.

For more information about the concert, visit www.ritesmusic.org. To view silent auction items, visit rosmf.betterworld.org.