Romantic opera concert at Seguine-Burke Plantation
George Burke and the friends of the Seguine-Burke Plantation on Staten Island presented a special benefit concert on the afternoon of Sunday, April 14, featuring music from opera, cabaret and Broadway. The singers were two of the most promising and talented performers today — tenor Vincent Ricciardi and soprano Emily Wright.
The venue was a plantation that was built in 1838 by Joseph Seguine in the Greek Revival style on property purchased by his grandfather James Seguine in 1786.The family members were in the oyster harvesting business, candle making and railroads.
The present owner, the affable and charming George Burke, allows functions and happenings to take place in his home. The grounds are vast and beautiful. It is rumored that Prospect Park’s Frederick Law Olmsted designed some of the gardens.
The spacious tree lined grounds have many peacocks strolling and a horse stable and riding area as well. Opera singers and competitive peacocks were a staple at the Cincinnati Zoo when the old Metropolitan Opera would visit it on tour.
The inside décor of the mansion is sumptuous with a beautiful piano and candelabra and views of the bay, not to mention a replica of Michelangelo’s David, among other classic portraits, chandeliers and statuary.