Events

HALO to Present 3rd Anniversary Concert on April 22nd

Published

2 years ago

April 10, 2023

Press Release

It all started with a dream and a driveway. In early April of 2020, Mount Pleasant residents Leah Edwards and Dimitri Pittas were, like most people, quarantined and working from home. Unlike most people, though, they are internationally acclaimed artists who were singing so loudly that their neighbors could hear them from the street. In tears, those neighbors shared that when they heard the music, they felt relief, a glimmer of hope that there was light at the end of the uncertain pandemic tunnel. A week later, Leah and Dimitri took their “work” out to their driveway and gave a concert for their neighbors. Today, nearly 150 concerts, two large-scale productions, and three seasons of programming later, Holy City Arts & Lyric Opera—HALO—is a thriving nonprofit organization dedicated to engaging the Lowcountry community through live performances. It’s High Art in the LOwcountry.

“For me, art is, above all, about communicating and collaborating, a shared experience between artist and audience,” says Edwards, HALO’s Founding General Director. “The first concert was a neighbor’s idea, with a piano provided by Fox Music House, driven to us by their staff. That piano was played by pianist extraordinare Chee-Hang See, sung by me and Dimitri, and attended by our immediate community. Even for something as simple as a driveway concert, it always takes a village!”

Drawn to HALO’s professionalism, innovation, and commitment to serve the community, Rick Gutowski, President of the Notre Dame Club of Charleston, offered his services to organize the loyal group of volunteers that were aiding the founders in their venture, and energize members of his club to participate. “Notre Dame’s role in the world is to be a Force for Good,” says Gutowski, “and our involvement with HALO enables us to do that in Charleston.” Volunteer services include ushering, artist hospitality, production support, event assistance, and patron services.

The Third Anniversary Concert features local artists Julian Blake Gordon, Katie Small, and Samuel Stevenson, as well as Edwards and Pittas. The musical program includes famous selections from opera and classic musical theatre, as well as a sprinkling of lesser-known pieces that are sure to delight and unite the audience. Patrons are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, beverages, and friends. In continued partnership with the Charleston RiverDogs, the team’s food truck will be offering service beginning at 4 pm. And where there is RiverDogs food, there is RiverDogs fun! Show up early to purchase concessions, and for a chance to get your photo taken with a surprise guest!

This is a one-time event on Saturday, April 22nd at 4:30 pm in BrickYard Plantation. Follow signs upon entering the neighborhood. Attendance is free, donations are encouraged. To register for the event, visit www.holycityarts.org or call (843) 388-3243.

Upcoming HALO events include Opera Night at The Joe on Friday, May 19th and As One June 22-25. To stay up to date with HALO happenings and to find out how you can be involved, sign up to receive the newsletter. For additional information about HALO, including the full details about the 2023 Spring schedule, visit HALO’s website.

Founded in 2019, HALO is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization and is the trademark holder for ‘Opera. For y’all.’ and ‘Social Distance-SING!’ HALO can be found @HolyCityArts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For interviews or additional press coverage, please contact HALO at (843) 388-3243 or info@holycityarts.org.