NEW ROCHELLE, NY — “The Almost Forgotten Songs of Ivor Novello and Noel Coward” will be the subject of a presentation by music master Eric Jennings and soprano Geraldine McMillian on Sunday, April 26, from 1:30 – 3:30 pm, in the Ossie Davis Theater of the New Rochelle Public Library.
Ivor Novello was the Andrew Lloyd Webber of the 1920’s and 30’s; Noel Coward was the “bad boy” of popular music in both America and England until the 1950’s. Both were musical geniuses. Novello left behind some of the most beautiful, melodic songs in the English language written during the 20th Century. Noel Coward wrote quirky songs with witty and often poignant lyrics as well as some standards. Singer, pianist and lecturer Eric Jennings will be joined by soprano Geraldine McMillian for an afternoon of gorgeous live music, most of which all audience members will probably recognize and certainly enjoy.
Eric Jennings received an undergraduate degree in Music History with piano and voice minors from the University of Maryland, and a Master of Music from Manhattan School of Music in Vocal Performance. He sang professionally in the opera before retiring in 1998 to pursue a career as a minister. He is also a guest lecturer at local colleges and adult education programs on classical music.
The public is encouraged to arrive early, as seating is on a first-come, first-served basis to the 138-seat capacity of the Ossie Davis Theater. The program is made possible by the generosity of the Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library. A donation of $2.00 is suggested at the door.