Surprise for Akron next?

The Akron Symphony’s production of "Porgy and Bess," which is sponsored by a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, will premiere April 16, 2011 in the University of Akron’s E.J. Thomas Hall. Elyria native Lester Lynch will play Crown. Alvy Powell will portray Porgy and Marquita Lister will be Bess.

Akron Symphony Music Director Christopher Wilkins said that roles still available include Sportin’ Life, Serena and Clara and that the chorus positions are 95% filled.

Juilliard Opera School graduate Lynch sang as Crown for the San Francisco Opera and has performed with the Cleveland Orchestra.

There will be a Random Acts of Culture happening in Akron, also funded by the Knight Foundation. The event isn't announced, just performed in a public place. Click on the headline for the BJ Alums article on the Opera Company of Philadelphia doing the "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's "Messiah" in Macy's store amid hundreds of surprised shoppers. Something like that will happen in Akron. If you're in the right place at the right time, you'll hear and see it.