Événement

Journey - Melodia Women's Choir Concert - Sunday Nov. 13

The acclaimed 32-voice ensemble Melodia Women's Choir, conducted by Artistic Director Cynthia Powell, return in their eighth season to guide listening audiences on a dynamic journey through classical and contemporary choral works. Central to this program of celebrated works is the rarely performed, 25-minute work for women's voices "The Chambered Nautilus," by Amy Beach (1867-1944), celebrated as America's first female composer of significance; words by great American poet Oliver Wendell Holmes. Also featured is the world premiere of "The Journey," by distinguished contemporary composer and vocalist Catherine Aks, who will be on hand for the world premiere performance of her work, set to words from Lord Alfred Tennyson's "Ulysses." Our journey also includes classical and contemporary works by Gabriel Fauré, Guiseppe Verdi, Gustav Holst, Eric Whitacre, and Cecilia McDowall.

"The power of growth and change is our journey's connecting thread," says Artistic Director Cynthia Powell. "The centerpieces of our program from Amy Beach, a neglected giant of American music, and Catherine Aks, a gifted voice of the present, have their work set to the words of two poets, Alfred, Lord Tennyson ["Ulysses"] and Oliver Wendell Holmes ["The Chambered Nautilus"] who pay tribute to the indomitable human spirit and exhort us to think and act beyond limitations: 'To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield,' in Tennyson's words."

Melodia Women's Choir has been called "Riveting" by the New York Times and was named one of the top choirs in New York by New York Time Out. Melodia has been heard on radio stations WQXR and WNYC, seen on NBC-TV, and has performed at Symphony Space, Merkin Concert Hall, and the Surrogate's Courthouse as guest artists at Women History Month Celebrations for the New York City Comptroller.

"The Chambered Nautilus" by American composer Amy Beach (1967-1944)
"The Journey" a world premiere by Catherine Aks
"The Seal Lullaby" by popular contemporary composer Eric Whitacre
"Ave Maria" by British composer Cecilia McDowall
"Tantum ergo" by Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924)
"Maria, Mater gratiae" by Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924)
"Laudi alla Vergine Maria" by Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901)
"Choral Hymns from the Rig Veda, Second Group" by Gustav Holst (1874-1934)

Performers include Melodia Women's Choir, Cynthia Powell, Artistic Director; and Taisiya Pushkar, piano.