Peter Oprisko, a premiere interpreter of treasured traditional adult pop, jazz and Tin Pan Alley standards, will be back in Troy by popular demand Friday night at the Claudia Crosby Theater on the campus of Troy University.
Dr. John Jinright, presenter chair for the sponsoring Troy Arts Council, said he had no choice but to bring Oprisko back to town.
“Peter Oprisko was in Troy about a year ago and his program featured Frank Sinatra standards,” Jinright said. “After Peter Oprisko’s show, the audience was so in love with him that everyone was begging us to bring him back. I didn’t have a choice.”
Jinright said the Chicago-based musician epitomizes excellence in live musical entertainment.
Oprisko’s program Friday night, “Silver Screen Gold,” will feature songs made famous on the silver screen.
“Oprisko will sing 24 Academy Award-winning songs,” Jinright said. “The audience will probably be surprised by how many of these songs they know.  In the 1990s, Peter Oprisko had a nationally syndicated radio show and he had privileged access to legendary songwriters like Henry Mancini, Sammy Chan and Johnny Mandel. From them, he learned about their award-winning works.”
Oprisko’s program highlights these great “Oscar” songs but he also shares the “stories” behind the songs.
“He’ll tell how the songs came to be and how they ended up in the movies,” Jinright said. “He has an incredible knowledge of the background of popular music and he shares it in a fascinating and fun way.”
Jinright said all of those who enjoy the popular tunes of the silver screen will not want to miss Oprisko in concert at 7 p.m. Friday night.
Patrons have reserved seating. General admission tickets are $20 and student tickets are $5 with an ID.
“However, we have complimentary tickets at the Troy University ticket office for the first 100 students,” Jinright said. “Tickets will be available at the door. We hope a large number of people will take advantage of the opportunity to hear Peter Oprisko in concert. He brings the songs of the silver screen to life.”