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Saturday's Internet Edition, July 31, 2010.
Soprano Courtney Bowles performs for RMWC
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Photo by Sheri Barile
Soprano Courtney Bowles performs on May 26 at the Rancho Murieta Women’s Club luncheon held at RM Country Club.
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By Sheri Barile
River Valley Times Reporter
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Rancho Murieta Women’s Club was treated to a vocal performance by soprano Courtney Bowles when they met for their May 26 luncheon at RM Country Club. During her one-hour program, the vocal artist performed 17 selections ranging from classics like Gershwin to contemporary pieces from artists such as Josh Groban and Sarah Brightman. Her grand finale was a medley from “Phantom of the Opera.”
More than 110 attended the luncheon to hear Bowles sing everything from Italian opera to “Happy Birthday To You.” As part of a surprise for her 85th birthday, RMWC member Margaret Wonder was serenaded by Bowles and the entire audience.
Wonder said she thoroughly enjoyed the tribute. “It was really nice, but I was a little embarrassed,” she said. “She (Bowles) was fabulous, though, not just because she has such a pretty voice, but because she seemed so happy while she was singing.”
Others in attendance noticed this too. Sue Girsh felt a real connection to the singer. “You could tell her heart was in it,” Girsch said.
Karen Craig agreed and added that Bowles' program lifted her for the rest of the day. “I went out of there with a song in my head,” she said.
Bowles enthralled the audience when she strolled among them while she sang. Attendee Nancy Ruff found it very engaging. “It made people feel like she was singing right to them,” Ruff said. “Not only did she have great stage presence – she had great personality.”
Recently, Bowles has performed in the Sacramento area with Contra Costa Chorale Summer Series 2009 and, as a soloist, for the Bach Magnificent in Sacramento. RMWC Program Director Jude Gaither booked the El Dorado Hills native after reading about her in the Sacramento Bee. “From what I read in the article, I thought she would be perfect for our luncheon,” Gaither said. “She has such a diverse mixture of pieces. I like the fact that she has a range – classical to modern and even classics like Gershwin.”
Bowles’ vocal range and power also drew many remarks from those who attended. At the beginning of her program -with a microphone in hand at her side - she told the audience that she would try her first song without the mic and asked them to let her know if she needed it. She didn’t, to the surprise of many including Girsch.
“I thought to myself, it won’t work – the piano will drown her out,” Girsch said. “But her voice was so powerful and moving, and she had incredible range. It went really well with her accompaniment. Courtney and (her pianist) were such a marvelous team, who gave the audience such a warm and comfortable feeling.”
Bowles was accompanied on the piano by Steven Johnson, who received many compliments from the audience. He will be performing at UC Davis Mondavi Center on June 20.
After the program, lunch was served on tables adorned with centerpieces that reflected the theme for the day – long stemmed red roses wrapped in fabric imprinted with music notes. The bouquets were embellished with black and white masks reminiscent of “Phantom of the Opera.”
The ladies dined on entrees of pork loin topped with pineapple salsa or chicken breast stuffed with a cream cheese blend and topped with lemon butter.
“As usual, the meal was delicious,” Gaither said. “It was served with asparagus cooked to perfection and a delightful room-temperature orzo pasta salad.”
The next RMWC luncheon will be held July 28 and will feature image consultant Galen Hall. She will present four methods for maximizing personal appearance and image, focusing on the needs of mature women.
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