Our Musician Series recital on Sunday, May 18 features a true Symphony favorite: Omari Tau! If you've attended our Family Concerts, you know Omari as an engaging narrator and a powerful vocalist. Here's your chance to see this versatile artist and director in a program of his own creation, along with pianist Graham Sobelman and cellist Natalie Hagwood.
Indulge in an afternoon of rousing, inspiring, emotionally captivating music featuring an eclectic mix of selections from the worlds of musical theater, classical, jazz, and more! Music by Nina Simone, George Gershwin, Marc Blitzstein, Irving Berlin, Kurt Weill, and others — plus original compositions by the performers — will have you singing along and dancing in your seat.
As always, our recitals are held in an intimate setting, where the musicians interact with the audience. Because of the limited capacity, order your tickets now for the best seating.
WHEN: Sunday, May 18 at 2 PM
WHERE: Samper Recital Hall at Cabrillo College
TICKETS: 831-479-6154 or cabrillo.edu/vapa
Omari Tau, voice
Omari Tau is a versatile performing artist, educator, and director who is at home in the operatic and musical theatre worlds, as well as in jazz and pop genres. Co-Founding Artistic Director of Rogue Music Project and Professor of Vocal Music at Cosumnes River College, he served as the Director of Opera Theatre at Sacramento State University and directed the Houston Grand Opera’s Education and Outreach Department touring opera program for youth. As a performing artist, Tau toured internationally with Disney’s The Lion King for nearly nine years; in 2024, he was honored to arrange music for The Lion King's 25th Anniversary celebration on the Broadway stage. Other credits include roles at the Tony Award-winning Alley Theatre and TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, MUNY, Sacramento’s Broadway at Music Circus, and musicals such as Evita at Theater Under The Stars. As a composer, Tau’s operas have been commissioned and premiered by Lone Star Lyric, where they enjoyed successful runs. Tau appears on various recordings with Solabel as well as solo work with composer Graham Sobelman. Click here to learn more.
Graham Sobelman, piano
Graham Sobelman is a music director, a composer, a performing musician, an educator, and a skilled musical collaborator. He has worked as a music director for Broadway Sacramento, Ensemble Theatre Company, B Street Theatre, Capital Stage, and New Helvetia Theatre; he has also led productions in Edinburgh, London, and New York. As a composer, Graham has set the poetry of William Shakespeare, Emily Dickinson, Jane Kenyon, and Robert Frost. His song cycles include, among others: Songs From Eagle Pond (Text by Donald Hall & Jane Kenyon), Love Is Eternal (Text by David Kent); Film score: Lily; Choral work: A Dozen Fires Alight (Text by Omari Tau). Click here to learn more.
Natalie Hagwood, cello
Known for her multi-style cello playing, ethereal vocals, and heartfelt songwriting, Natalie Hagwood expands the boundaries of her traditionally classical instrument. She grew up steeped in music, singing harmonies with her family and playing by ear. Collaborations with folk bands honed her improvisational skills, while cello performance in college expanded her technical ability. She currently performs with Solabel, a Sacramento-based ensemble of established jazz, folk, and Broadway talents whose messages of joy and social justice cross musical boundaries. Natalie enjoys songwriting, recording, and teaching cello students of all ages and abilities. Click here to learn more.
