Past Seasons
2011-2012
18th Season!
Friday, July 15, 2011
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
Magic Mushroom children’s summer program and the Irving Park Fine Arts Committee will present “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” on Friday, July 15th at 10:00 a.m. A musical adaptation of the classic children’s novel by C. S. Lewis, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” tells the story of what happens when four children discover a magical wardrobe that delivers them to the fantastic world of Narnia.
American Eagle Productions, a Chicago-based theatre troupe specializing in children’s classics, will bring to life the story of the Pevensie children and their adventures in Narnia with song, dance, costumes and sets.
The performance will be held in the sanctuary of Irving Park Lutheran Church at 4100 N. Harding Ave. This free-will donation event is open to the public, and is sure to please audiences of all ages! Concessions will be sold in the parking lot following the performance where the audience will have a chance to meet and talk with the actors.
Sunday, September 18, 2011, 2:00 p.m.
Ben Melsky, Harp
The Irving Park Fine Arts Committee (IPFAC) is pleased to announce the first concert of the 2011-2012 Performing Arts Series. Lyric Opera harpist Ben Melsky will perform in a solo recital on Sunday, September 18th at 2:00 p.m. The concert will take place at the Irving Park Lutheran Church, 4100 N. Harding Ave., Chicago. Melsky will perform selections from J. S. Bach, Benjamin Britten and Paul Hindemith. Fine Arts patrons last saw Melsky in a performance last winter with the Naperville Chamber Players. Free will donations are welcome; a reception with the artist will follow the concert.
Melsky is an Evanston native who started playing the harp at age eight. He holds both Bachelor’s of Music and Master’s of Music from Northwestern University. As a soloist, he has performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. as part of the Millennium Stage Conservatory Project, was a 2008 winner of the Northwestern University Concerto Competition with Alberto Ginastera’s Harp Concerto, and has performed major concerti with the Instituto Cervantes Orchestra of Chicago and Northwestern University Chamber Orchestra. Recently he was recorded at the Goodman Theater for their production of Animal Crackers.
As an orchestral musician he currently plays second harp with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and has played with the Chicago Philharmonic, Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, Southern Illinois Summer Music Festival Orchestra and Evanston Symphony Orchestra. He currently maintains a private studio in addition to being an associate faculty member at Glenbrook South and Glenbrook North High Schools.
Sunday, December 11, 2011, 2:00 p.m.
Holiday Extravaganza
Series artistic director Rober Bingaman will be joined by many friends to usher in the holidays with joyful sounds!
Thursday, January 26, 2012, 7:00 p.m.
Plymouth State University Chamber Singers
Hailing from Plymouth, New Hampshire, the Plymouth State University Chamber Singers will perform in a special concert on January 26th. Under the direction of conductor Dr. Dan Perkins, the Chamber Singers' recent repertoire includes Mozart “Mass in C minor” (in collaboration with NH Master Chorale), J.S. Bach “Komm, Jesu, komm,” Francis Poulenc “Four Christmas Motets,” and works by Eric Whitacre, Morten Lauridsen, Arvo Part, and Moses Hogan.
Sunday, February 26, 2012, 2:00 p.m.
The Avanti Guitar Trio
The Avanti Guitar Trio performs an eclectic variety of music including: repertoire from the Renaissance through Romantic eras, music from Spain and Latin America, arrangements of folk and pop tunes, and contemporary compositions that make use of improvisation, effects pedals, and electronics.
Sunday, April 29, 2012, 2:00 p.m.
Dorothy Deen cello, Roger Bingaman, piano
Dorothy Deen holds a Master's degree in cello performance and pedagogy from Northern Illinois University, and has been a freelance cellist in the Chicagoland area for over 25 years. Dorothy has performed with numerous area groups such as the Chicago Jazz Orchestra, Kenosha Symphony, Northwest Indiana Symphony, Rockford Symphony and Illinois Philharmonic. Currently, Dorothy performs with New Philharmonic and is the principal cellist for Light Opera Works in Evanston. She has been a member of the Seraphim Trio for the past five years.
In addition to teaching, Dorothy is an active recitalist in the Chicago area. She has enjoyed playing chamber music series performances in private homes throughout Chicago and on Chicago's classical radio station, WFMT. Recently, she premiered two new duet works for cello and saxophone and cello and flute at the Sherwood Conservatory of Music in Chicago. IPFAC audiences will remember Dorothy’s 2011 performance with the Naperville Chamber Players in their concert celebrating composer Alan Hovhaness.
Roger Bingaman, or Bing, as he is known to his many friends, serves as the Director of Music at the Irving Park Lutheran Church. He is also Director of Apprentice Program and Chorus Master for the Sarasota Opera in Sarasota, Florida. In Chicago, Bing is the Music Director and principal conductor of Light Opera Works, and has worked with Lyric Opera of Chicago, Bowen Park Opera, Chicago Opera Theatre and other fine arts organizations. For his dedication to the Performing Arts, former Chicago Tribune Critic Richard Christiansen presented the 2002 Friend of the Arts Award to Bingaman for his support and promotion of community artists. The award is given by The Artist's Council of the Friends of Independence Branch Library.
2010 - 2011
Sunday, April 10
2:00 p.m.
Mackenzie Merrill-Wick, French Horn
Roger L. Bingaman, Piano
Celebrate the return of spring with a classical music concert featuring the music of Mozart, Richard Strauss and Franz Strauss. Mackenzie Merrill-Wick, French horn, will be accompanied by Roger L. Bingaman, accomplished pianist and artisitic director of the Irving Park Fine Arts Committee.
Irving Park Lutheran Church Sanctuary, 4100 N. Harding Ave., Chicago
Sunday, February 27
2:00 p.m.
Happy Birthday, Hovhaness!
IPFAC presents a free chamber music concert featuring The Naperville Chamber Players. The concert will feature Dorothy Deen, cello and Marie Bennett, flute. They will be joined by a guitarist, pianist and harpist in a program titled "Happy 100th Birthday Hovhaness!" The concert will celebrate the 100th birthday of 20th century composer Alan Hovhaness and will feature a sampling of his work.
Irving Park Lutheran Church Sanctuary, 4100 N. Harding Ave., Chicago
Saturday, February 12, 2011
10:00 a.m.
Oba William King, the Poetic Storyteller
In a special performance for children, Irving Park Fine Arts Committee presents Oba William King, The Poetic Storyteller and drummer Mama Vivian.
King, a storyteller in the West African griot tradition, will weave together songs, stories and drumming to entertain audiences of all ages. King celebrates African American heritage and diversity in his interactive performances. Mama Vivian will accompany the storyteller on drums.
A juice and cookie reception with the artists will follow the performance. The program is free, though donations are welcome.
Irving Park Lutheran Church Sanctuary, 4100 N. Harding Ave., Chicago
Sunday, December 12, 2010
2:00 p.m.
An Octave Above
An Octave Above, an eight member a cappella group, will perform holiday favorites, doo wop, jazz and pop standards in a musical celebration of the season. Admission is free, though donations are welcome. A reception with the artists follows the performance.
Iving Park Lutheran Church Sanctuary
4100 N. Harding Ave, Chicago
Sunday, September 26, 2010
2:00 p.m.
Light Opera Works in Concert (Please note program change)
Mary Robin Roth, Cathy Lord and Rob Bradley will perform highlights from past Light Opera Works seasons. They will be accompanied on piano by Linda Slein. Rudy Hogenmiller, the LOW artistic director will serve as master of ceremonies.
Irving Park Lutheran Church Sanctuary
4100 N. Harding Ave., Chicago
Free admission -- donations welcome!
2009 - 2010
2008 - 2009
October 12, 2008
PolyKrome Brass Ensemble
December 14, 2008
The Lutheran Choir of Chicago
February 22, 2009
Andrew McCann, violin, Amy Briggs, piano
April 26, 2009
The Apollo Trio: Scott Metlika-Flute, Karl Rzasa-Bassoon, Matthew Coley-Marimba & Percussion
2007 - 2008
February 24, 2008
The Apollo Trio
The Apollo Trio is one of the Chicago metropolitan area’s premiere chamber music ensembles. It was founded in 1995 as a woodwind ensemble. Over the years it has incorporated harp, piano, and strings. Currently the trio is made up of three of the city’s finest musicians: Scott Metlicka, flute; Matt Agnew, cello: and Paul Nicholson, piano. Members perform regularly with the Elgin Symphony, Grant Park Symphony, Chicago Opera Theater, Illinois Philharmonic, Metropolis Symphony and Light Opera Works of Evanston. Members have also performed on Live from Studio One on WFMT radio. The ensemble enjoys performing different styles, particularly music written for the combination of flute, cello and piano.
2006 - 2007
December 10, 2006
Peace Tales Around the World
Kidworks Touring Theatre Company
Kidworks leads a hands on journey in search of world peace with travels to Africa, the Middle East, India, China, Mexico, and Native America, as cultures, traditions, and stories come to life. This 45 minute presentation is loaded with audience participation, and promotes multicultural tolerance and respect for all nations. Children and parent volunteers play African Dancers, Belly Dancers, Camel Humps, Native American Braves adn the tail of the Chinese Dragon.
The Interfaith Children's Choir of Irving Park
February 25, 2007
Christopher Laughlin, Guitar
Mr. Laughlin performs everything from Spanish classics to Latin American dances, flamenco showpieces, and colorful contemporary works from all corners of the globe. Guitar virtuoso Christopher Laughlin has delighted audiences across the United States adn around the world and has appeared in over 25 nations.
April 29, 2007
Ann McMann, Soprano, Kenneth Nichols, Baritone and Roger Bingaman, Piano
Roger Bingaman, Irving Park Fine Arts artistic director, returns with friends Ann McMann and Kenneth Nichols to explore the history of American musical theater in song.
This concert features the Virginia McBroom Sekenske scholarship winner. The scholarship is given to an area high school musician in memory of Mrs. Sekenske, a patron of the Fine Arts series.
2005 - 2006
2004 - 2005
2003 - 2004
Sunday, September 14th
Roger Bingaman and Valerie Maze, Piano
Rebecca Davis, Sara Stern, John Predny and Christopher Richard
Schubert: Fantasy in f minor
Brahms: Liebeslieder Waltzes
Sunday, November 16th,
Carmen Llop Kassinger, Violin
Margaret Daly, Cello
Roger Bingaman, Piano
Beethoven: Piano Trio, Op. 1 no. 1
Brahms: Piano Trio No. 1 in B, Op. 8
Sunday, December 8th,
Songs, Christmas Letters and readings from the holiday
season that bring to mind Christmas Cards.
Featuring the IPLC Chancel Choir
&
Rebecca Davis, Soprano
Sara Stern, Mezzo Soprano
John Predny, Tenor
Chris Richard, Baritone
Sunday, February 22th,
Frieda Lee, Bobby Schiff, Joe Policastro
Sunday, March 28th,
Erik Suter
2002 - 2003
Sunday, October 13th
Christopher Laughlin, Classical Guitar
Sunday, December 8th,
Christmas Cabaret
featuring
Glenette Shurney, Sara Stern, Bill Gordon, Chris Richard, Roger Bingaman, special guests, members of the Irving Park Community Children's choir.
Sunday, January 26th,
An a capella ensemble consisting of six male singers and a musical arranger.
Today's concert will include arrangements from jazz, gospel, pop, rock and classical renaissance.
Sunday, February 23rd,
Kenneth Chin, Clarinet
Susan Crandall, Flute
Roy Harris, Bassoon
Kimberly K. Heersche Hoffman, Oboe
Mary Jo Neher, Horn
Sunday, May 11,
Lori Ann Fuller
Roger Bingaman
2001 - 2002
Friday, September 21 at 8:00pm A Benefit Concert
New York Fire Fighters
Disaster Relief Fund
Featuring Chicago-area singers and pianists including members of the Chicago Symphony Chorus, Lyric Opera of Chicago Chorus, Bowen Park Opera, Light Opera Works and Sarasota Opera.
The program will consist of favorites from opera, musical theatre and operetta.
All proceeds will be sent to the International Association of Firefighters, who have established The New York Fire Fighters 9-11 Disaster Relief Fund.
100% of the donations from the concert will go directly to the families of fallen New York Fire Fighters and EMS Workers.
October 14th
The Andersonville String Quartet
Lori Ashikawa, Violin
Carmen Llop Kassinger, Violin
Monica Reilly, Viola
Erica Lessie, Cello
and
Roger Bingaman, Piano
December 9th
A CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA
featuring
The Irving Park Community Children's Choir
under the direction of William Gordon
The Irving Park Chancel Choir and Guests
in
"God's Greatest Gift"
a Cantata by John Dressler
under the direction of Roger L. Bingaman
Audience Sing-Along
and
Solos by Guest Artists
January 27th
TRIGGER GOSPEL
Anna Fermin - Guitar
Andon Davis - Lead guitar
Paul Bivens - Drums
Michael Krayniak - Bass
February 24th
Vienna Waltz Ensemble
Greg Sarchet - bass
Clara Lindner - violin
Carl Johnston - violin
April 28th
98.6 Fahrenheit
Dance Company
2000 - 2001
October 8th
The Sarasota/Chicago Ensemble
A Concert of the three B's: Bach, Beethoven and Brahms
Carmen Llop Kassinger, Violin
Dan O'Connell, Horn
Roger Bingaman, Piano
November 12th
Carolyn Irvin Niehoff, Soprano
Roger Bingaman, Piano
December 10th
"Sleighbells Ring;
ARE YOU LISTENING?!"
Featuring Perfect5th perfoming Christmas music from movies and musicals. Perfect5th is soprano Ann McMann, mezzo-soprano Sara Stern, tenor Erich Buchholz, Baritone Robert Felbinger, and pianist Roger Bingaman. After a short intermission, the Irving Park Lutheran Chancel Choir will perform plus a sing-a-long.
January 28th
Mark Valenti, Piano
| Sonata no. 31 in A flat major, op. 110 (1822) | Ludwig van Beethoven |
| 4 Preludes, Book II (1912) Ondine Les tierces alternees (Alternating thirds) Bruyeres (Heather) General Lavine - eccentric |
Claude Debussy |
| Three Sonatas E major Andante Comodo F minor Andante Cantabile C major Allegro |
Domenico Scarlatti |
| Six Dances in Bulgarian Rhythm (1936) | Bela Bartok |
| Two pieces Ballade no. 2 in F major, op. 38 (1839) Impromptu no. 2 in F# major, op. 36 (1839) |
Frederic Chopin |
February 25th
Marc Fink, Oboe
Jamie Schmidt, Piano
| Sonata in E-flat Major | J. S. Bach |
| Sonata for Oboe and Piano (1962) | Francis Poulenc |
| Three Preludes | George Gershwin |
| Fantasy in A Minor (solo oboe) | Georg Philipp Telemann |
| Epitaph for Oboe and Piano (1979) | Witold Lutoslawski |
| Concerto based on opera motives from "La Favorita" of Donizetti | Antonio Pasculli |
April 29th
Pinotage
Alison Attar, harp
Julia Bentley, mezzo-soprano
Janice MacDonald, flute
1999 - 2000
October 10th
The Andersonville String Quartet
Lori Ashikawa, Violin
Carmen Llop Kassinger, Violin
Monica Reilly, Viola
Erica Lessie, Cello
and
Roger Bingaman, Piano
December 12th
Festival of Christmas
Enjoy a respite from the hectic world of holiday shopping at the Irving Park Fine Arts series Festival of Christmas. The concert features the combined talents of professional singers, including Carolyn Irvin, Ann McMann, Sarah Stern, Sarah Shepard, Bill Gordon, Christopher Richard, Mike Kotze and Bart Smith, plus the Irving Park Lutheran Chancel Choir, the Contemporary Ensemble and The Bells of Irving Park, IPLC's hand bell choir.
February 27th
Wagner Campos, Clarinet
Roderick Ferguson, Piano
The program most likely include works by the following:
Niels Gade (19th century Danish, in a Schumannesque style) ,Honneger, Ibert & Martinu (three short works comprising a set), Rachmaninoff (our transcriptions of songs from our CD), and maybe a Bernstein Sonata
April 30th
Vocal Music of the British Isles
Debra DeNoon
Buffy Baggot
William Gordon
Anton Briones
Christopher Richard
Songs of Richard Warlock, "Four Last Songs," Ralph Vaughn Williams, "Canticle No. II, Abraham and Isaac", Benjamin Britten, Songs of Henry Purcell
1998 - 1999
Sunday, October 11th
Chamber Music of Russia
Angela Stramaglia, Soprano Wagner Campos, Clarinet Leslie Fagen, Flute Roderick Ferguson, Piano Roger Bingaman, Piano
| Angela Stramaglia, Soprano Roger L. Bingaman, Piano |
Songs by Rachmaninoff
|
| Wagner Campos, Clarinet Roderick Ferguson, Piano |
Sonatina for Clarinet and Piano
Janis Medina
|
| Leslie Fagen, Flute Roger L. Bingaman |
Flute Sonata
Prokofiev
|
December 13th
Sing-A-Long Messiah
G.F. Handel
This audience participation version of George Handel's famous 1742 Messiah will consist of the Christmas portion of the oratorio. Conducting the Irving Park Chamber Orchestra will be Roger L. Bingaman
Performers for the afternoon are: Janet Hackett, Mary Zitnik, Todd Wilander, Nicholas Solomon, and The Irving Park Chamber Orchestra
Sunday, January 24th Pianist
Dana Brown
The program included the works of: Domenico Scarlatti, Edvard Grieg, George Gershwin, Maurice Ravel and Sergei Rachmaninov
Sunday, February 28th
Christopher Laughlin
Classical Guitar
Christopher Laughlin played the works of: J.S. Bach, Domenico Scarlatti, Yuquiiro Yocoh, Fernando Sor, Joaquin Turina, Joaquin Rodrigo, Agustin Barrios, Paco de Lucia and Paco Pena
Sunday, April 18th
"Hollywood Does Opera" plus
P.D.Q. Bach's "The Seasonings"
The Fine Arts Committee and the 95th Annivrsary Committee present "Hollywood Does Opera" plus P.D.Q. Bach's "The Seasonings"
Performing will be the Chancel Choir with the following guests.
Angela Stramaglia, soprano; Carolyn Irvin, Soprano; Sara Stern, Mezzo-soprano; Cynthia Mallard, Mezzo-soprano; Bart Smith, Baritone; Bob Felbinger, Baritone
1997 - 1998
Closer Than Ever
Jeff R. Jones, Director Roger L. Bingaman, Musical Director
Closer Than Ever, by Richard Maltby, Jr. (lyrics) and David Shire (music), is a musical revue focusing on modern life, relationships and experiences.
Christmas Extravaganza
Christmas Extravaganza, a holiday concert featuring Perfect 5th and the Irving Park Chancel Choir in a program of both secular and sacred music, traditional and contemporary Christmas music, directed by Roger L. Bingaman, Music Director for Bowen Park Opera and Irving Park Lutheran Church. Perfect 5th includes soprano Jennifer Layman, mezzo-soprano Sara Stern, tenor Erich Buchholz, baritone John Hacker, and pianist Roger L. Bingaman. Other soloists in the program are Bart Lind Smith and soprano Carolyn Irvin.
In Recital
Ann McMann, Soprano Dana Brown, Pianist
Richard Strauss; Cäcilie, Nacht, Drei Lieder der Ophelia (Shakespeare), Samuel Barber; Knoxville: Summer of 1915, Otto Respighi Deltà Silvane, Erik Satie; Trois Mélodies de 1916, Je te veux, La Diva de "l'Empire"
Sunday, February 22nd
In Recital
Alexandru Dumitrache, Cello Dana Brown, Piano
Sonata in A Major, op 69 Ludwig van Beethoven, Three Pieces Gabriel Fauré, Sonata in d minor, op. 40 Dmitry Shostakovich
Sunday, April 26
Piano Duo
Roger L. Bingaman and Dana Brown
Muzio Clementi Tre Pezzi Three Pieces, Franz Schubert Fantasie in f minor, op. 103, Georges Bizet Jeux d'enfants, op. 22 Children's Games Scott Joplin Maple Leaf Rag (Arr. Denes Agay), Gladiolus Rag, "The Easy Winners", The Entertainer
1996 - 1997
October 13, 1996
Lieder Abend
Debra Rentz, soprano
Janet Aman Burton, mezzo-soprano
Bill Gordon, tenor
Bart Lind Smith, baritone
Dana Brown and Roger Bingaman, pianists
A program of art songs in the German language included music of R. Schumann, H. Wolf, E. Korngold and J. Brahms.
December 15, 1996
Sing-Along Messiah
Roger L. Bingaman, conductor
Ann McMann, soprano
Jean Marie Minton, mezzo-soprano
Timothy Bradley, tenor
Laurence Cotton, baritone
and the
Irving Park Symphony Orchestra
The program began with a Carol Sing-Along, then went into portions of G. F. Handel's Messiah, with the audience taking the chorus parts.
January 12, 1997
The Chicago Chamber Music Collective
Paula Prates, violin
Christie Vohs, clarinet
Laura Kostur, flute
Charles Shapera, bassoon
Lynn Kompass, piano
The program included works of C.P.E. Bach, Lacerda Osvaldo, William Bolcom, Jules Demersseman, Igor Stravinsky, Antonio Vivaldi, Alexander Scriabin, and William Grant Still
March 9, 1997
Christopher Laughlin
Classical Guitarist
The program included works of Giulio Regondi, Felix Mendelssohn, Agustin Barrios, Manuel De Falla, Manuel M. Ponce, Joaquin Turner, Leo Brouwer, Astor Piazzolla and Paco de Lucia
April 6, 1997
Songs from the Stage
Jennifer Layman, soprano
Sara Stern, soprano
Erich Buchholz, tenor
Robert Felbinger, baritone
Roger L. Bingaman, pianist
The first half of the program featured Broadway show starters and stoppers, hit tunes by Richard Rodgers and Laurence Hart, and love duets from Broadway. The second half, devoted to Opera and Operetta, included works of Bernstein, Weill, Mozart, Delibes, Bizet and J. Strauss.
1995 - 1996
September 30, 1995
Benefit Concert
Frieda Lee
Frieda Lee and her band entertained with a variety of jazz, blues and popular songs.
October 22, 1995
The Chicago Classical String Quartet
Thomas Yang, violin
Catherine Emes, violin
Kim McLean, viola
Peter Szczepanek, cello
The program consisted of music by Glazanov, Dvorak, Barber, Porter, and Cinema Paradiso arranged by Houser.
December 17, 1995
Sing-Along Messiah
Roger L. Bingaman, conductor
Anne Marie Lewis, soprano
Jeffrey Gaunder, countertenor
Bill Gordon, tenor
Wesley Rowell, bass
and the
Irving Park Symphony Orchestra
A brief Carol Sing-Along opened the program. Excerpts from G. F. Handel's Messiah was the main portion of the program, with the audience taking the choral parts.
January 14, 1996
Opera etc.
in
Seymour Barab's Operatic Spoof
La Pizza con Funghi
Julia Hurn as Voluptua
Janet Burton as Phobia
Cary Lovett as Scorpio
Paul Scavone as Count Fromaggio
Roger L. Bingaman, accompanist
February 11, 1996
The Music of Scandinavia
Angela Stramaglia, soprano
Ann Vikstrom, mezzo-soprano
Irene Boruszko, flute
Bill Wynn, trombone
Roger Bingaman and Dana Brown, pianists
The program included works of Swedish composers Roman, Hägg and Randel; Finnish composer J. Sibelius; Norwegian composer Grieg; and Danish composer Grøndahl.
1995
January 8, 1995
The Music of Samuel Barber
Anne Marie Lewis, soprano Roger L. Bingaman, pianist A grand beginning for the Irving Park Fine Arts Series
February 17, 1995
The San Benedetto Winds
Irene Boruszko, flute Dan Huey, bassoon Ellen Kratofil, horn Julie Schmidt, oboe Christie Vohs, clarinet Roger L Bingaman, conductor
The San Benedetto Winds, composed of principal players in the Opera San Benedetto Orchestra, performed works of G. Rossini, W. A. Mozart, Jacques Ibert, Carl Nielsen, L. van Beethoven, Eugene Bozza and Scott Joplin.
March 12, 1995
An Afternoon of Opera
Roger L. Bingaman, pianist Janet Aman Burton, mezzo-soprano William Combs, tenor Lawrence Formosa, baritone Anne Marie Lewis, soprano Henry Pleas, tenor Angela Stramaglia, soprano
A program of selections from operas by Georges Bizet, Ruggiero Leoncavallo, Kurt Weill, Umberto Giordano, Giacomo Puccini, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Peter Tchaikovsky, Charles Gounod, Antonin Dvorak and Giuseppe Verdi.