The Verdi Chorus is the only ensemble in Southern California that focuses exclusively on performing choruses from opera. The group was founded by Anne Marie Ketchum in 1983 and now boasts more than 50 members and a repertoire of nearly 200 opera choruses.

On the program for the Spring Concert on March 28 and 29, are excerpts from "Maria Stuarda" and "Don Pasquale" by Donizetti, "Cavaleria Rusticana" by Mascagni, "Candide" by Leonard Bernstein, "Un Ballo in Maschera" by Verdi. The chorus will enact scenes from these operas with guest soloists Lori Ann Fuller (soprano), Hak Soo Kim (tenor), and Eugene Chan (baritone).

Sat., March 28, at 7:30 p.m. and Sun., March 29, at 4 p.m.: First United Methodist Church, 1008 11th St., Santa Monica
For more information, (310) 684-3024, www.verdichorus.org.

Photo courtesy of the Verdi Chorus