Countertenor Thomas Mark Fallon, who will perform at The University of Scranton's Houlihan-McLean Center at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9.

10/1 - The University of Scranton to Host Countertenor Thomas Fallon

The University of Scranton will host "In Recital" featuring acclaimed countertenor Thomas Mark Fallon. The performance, which is free and open to the public, will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9, in the Houlihan-McLean Center, located at the intersection of Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue.

A native of Scranton, Mr. Fallon began his professional career as a boy soprano touring nationally with original cast members as Amahl in Menotti's opera "Amahl and the Night Visitors." Following private vocal lessons begun at age 10, he continued his studies at the New England Conservatory of Music and the University of Notre Dame, where he has received with distinction both undergraduate and graduate degrees. The youngest recipient of the F. Lammot Belin Arts Scholarship, he has also received awards, scholarships, and performance grants from the Liederkranz, Puccini, Rosa Ponselle, United Nations, and William Sullivan Musical Foundations.

Thomas Fallon's repertoire encompasses five centuries of music, from Monteverdi's "L'Orfeo" to creating the role of Hegai in the world premiere of Weisgall's "Esther" for his New York City Opera debut. Recent career highlights include his Carnegie Hall debut in a "Salute to the Irish" program accompanied by The New York Pops Orchestra under Maestro Skitch Henderson, along with vocal recitals in Key West, Tampa, Louisville, and Detroit. Oratorio performances of Handel's "Messiah," the Vivaldi "Gloria," and "Magnificat" by both Bach and Pergolesi have taken him to Italy, Portugal, Spain and South Africa. This past season he appeared in concerts throughout Spain and appeared as a guest artist on Austrian and Spanish television accompanied by the Bratislava National Orchestra and the Orchestra of the Principality of Andorra. His PBS television debut entitled "Music of the Isles" is scheduled for broadcast in 2003.

He has also attained international celebrity through his participation in major international vocal competitions where he was awarded one of the top prizes or a special prize created especially to honor his unique artistry.

Recent national appearances have included the role of Icilio in the American premiere of Scarlatti's "La Caduta de Decemviri" with Opera Antica in Palm Beach, an aria concert with the Concerto Soloists of Philadelphia, and David in Handel's "Saul" with the West Virginia Symphony.

In March 2002, during a benefit Irish concert at St. Patrick's Church in West Scranton, he was presented with a plaque by the Honorable Christopher Doherty, Mayor of the City of Scranton, honoring him as Scranton's "Distinguished Native Son."

In addition to the recital, The University of Scranton will host "Basic Training at Camp Fallon," a voice masterclass with Mr. Fallon on the day following the concert, Thursday, Oct. 10. The class begins at 10 a.m. and will be held at the Houlihan-McLean Center. Admission is free, but pre-registration is required.

For additional information, contact Cheryl Y. Boga, Director of Performance Music, at 941-7624, or music@scranton.edu, or visit www.scranton.edu/music.