Chautauqua Speaks

A Boy's Story: Columbus Boychoir

Lecture Description:

G. James Sammarco still remembers the thrill of singing as a boy soprano, at the age of ten, with the Columbus Boychoir. Being selected by Gian Carlo Menotti, he had the chance to perform in the world premiere of the opera, Amahl and the Night Visitors, stepping into the shoes of the curious young shepherd boy. It was his first experience of storytelling through music. The Columbus Boychoir spent summers at Chautauqua, rehearsing for their national tours and amphitheater performances. Sammarco felt the joy and magic of music come alive and describes it as an unforgettable experience!

SPEAKER BIO:

G. James Sammarco, MD was born in Hackensack, NJ and spent his summers at Chautauqua. From the age of 10-14, he attended the Columbus Boychoir boarding school. The school did Fall and Spring concert tours, averaging 3-5 concerts/week, including summers at Chautauqua, performing in the Amphitheater. The choir recorded with opera and vocal professionals on radio, TV, and in theaters. He was the understudy for the television World Premiere of Amahl and the Night Visitors. He was the lead role of Amahl in many stage productions from 1951-1954, including City Center Opera in NYC. Dr. Sammarco attended Dartmouth College, Tulane University Medical School, and Case Western University Dept. of Orthopaedics. He is a retired professor from the University of Cincinnati, adjunct professor Tulane University, editor of four Orthopaedic textbooks, contributed to numerous medical journals, and past president of two Orthopaedic Surgical Societies and the MacDowell Society.

Venue located on Chautauqua Institution grounds; a gate pass is required.