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The American tenor, Edwin Griffith, made his professional Operatic début as Bepe in Leoncavallo's I Pagliacci with the Nashville Opera under the baton of Kenneth Schermerhorn. Soon thereafter he was invited to return and perform with the Nashville Symphony, again under the baton of Maestro Schermerhorn, in their annual Italian Street Fair, a performance that was described by the Nashville Tennessean as "the most Italianate portion of the afternoon."
Since that time Edwin Griffith has performed throughout the country, performing leading roles with the Bronx Opera, Berks Grand Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, Sarasota Opera, Belmont Opera, Natchez Opera, Rockland Opera, NYC Opera in the Park, and Des Moines Metro Opera. His multiple appearances with the Des Moines Metro Opera have included productions of Menotti's Amahl and the Night Visitors where he established a wide following of his portrayal of Kaspar, delighting children and adults alike.
Edwin Griffith has maintained a very active concert schedule, performing in concert with the Nashville Symphony, Natchez Symphony, Delaware Symphony, Lancaster Symphony, West Jersey Chamber Symphony, West Jersey Chamber Chorale, Delaware Chorale, Des Moines Choral Society, Des Moines Community Orchestra, Westminster Fine Arts Series, Plymouth Fine Arts Series, Ottumwa Symphony, Drake University, Peoria Bach Festival, and the Des Moines Symphony. Griffith's performance of L.v. Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 with the Des Moines Symphony under the baton of Maestro Joseph Giunta and featuring Simon Estes, was broadcast state wide on Iowa Public Radio, and is available on recording.
In addition to his opera and concert performances, Edwin Griffith has developed a following as a very engaging recitalist, tailoring his programs to appeal to both the uninitiated, first time concert attendee, as well as the most seasoned. His explanations of each piece help bring life to new musical works, and new life to those which have been heard hundreds of times. His varied programming demonstrates an ability to perform across a wide variety of styles, from classical to the spiritual and back again. He is married to Francine Griffith, educator and pianist, who accompanies her husband as they share the well-known and well-loved songs of yester year. |
