This Sunday, December 19th, at 3 p.m. The Muses will present 500 years of musical expression, showcasing all female voices in a unique and uplifting program designed to complement the magical setting and acoustical environment of the “glass hall in the woods”. The Muses performed the opening recital for the Chapel’s dedication in 2006, and have presented a variety of concerts in the space, this being their 5th Annual Christmas program. “Voices of Angels” has become somewhat of a Christmas tradition among regional concert goers, and many combine the afternoon of music with a chance to view the garden lights, and then have drinks and supper with family and friends.
This year’s program offers unique musical selections and groups of works by such varied composers as Palestrina, Bach, Mozart, Benjamin Britten, and John Rutter.
The program highlights the “Magnificat”, which sets to various music the words of Mary, “My soul doth magnify the Lord.”, based on Luke 1:46 – 55. Three outstanding composers address the mysteries of faith, two hundred years apart from one another, united in one concert expression. Hauntingly beautiful, the plain chant and modal polyphonic texture of Palestrina’s “Magnificat” (1560’s), in which four equal voices, moving within the narrow compass of thirteen notes, are woven into constantly overlapping patterns of the most subtle variety. Balance that with the classical voicing of J. S. Bach’s “Magnificat” (1723), without a doubt one of the greatest choral works ever written, and Benjamin Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols” (1943), modern musical expression based on old English poetry.
One exquisite and delicate moment is provided by Maurice Durufle’s “Tota pulchra es” (1960), an acapella motet based on Gregorian themes, dating back to 600 A.D.
Other traditional favorites from the 16th century include Tomas Luis de Victoria’s “O magnum mysterium” and other beautiful settings of traditional carols by Mozart, Max Reger, and Steve Suter. Wondrous nativity settings, lullaby’s, and winter carols are orchestrated by the beloved composer, John Rutter, dating from the mid-1980’s to 2000.
Virtuoso vocal skills are required to perform this particular literature, and The Muses Project is particularly pleased to be featuring local favorite (currently singing with Placido Domingo’s Washington National Opera) mezzo-soprano, Sarah Mesko, whose rich and beautiful voice will shimmer in the chapel. Also, Nicole Vogel is quite excited to be returning to Hot Springs from Denver, since her last appearance here as Count Orlofsky in the Muses’ Fledermaus Gala. Deleen Davidson and Gay Strakshus round out the vocal quartet. These four talented female vocalists will be masterfully supported by a three part chamber ensemble, consisting of Louis Menendez, Steve Suter & Shelley Martin.
This is a “not miss” concert. Please join us.
This year’s program offers unique musical selections and groups of works by such varied composers as Palestrina, Bach, Mozart, Benjamin Britten, and John Rutter.
The program highlights the “Magnificat”, which sets to various music the words of Mary, “My soul doth magnify the Lord.”, based on Luke 1:46 – 55. Three outstanding composers address the mysteries of faith, two hundred years apart from one another, united in one concert expression. Hauntingly beautiful, the plain chant and modal polyphonic texture of Palestrina’s “Magnificat” (1560’s), in which four equal voices, moving within the narrow compass of thirteen notes, are woven into constantly overlapping patterns of the most subtle variety. Balance that with the classical voicing of J. S. Bach’s “Magnificat” (1723), without a doubt one of the greatest choral works ever written, and Benjamin Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols” (1943), modern musical expression based on old English poetry.
One exquisite and delicate moment is provided by Maurice Durufle’s “Tota pulchra es” (1960), an acapella motet based on Gregorian themes, dating back to 600 A.D.
Other traditional favorites from the 16th century include Tomas Luis de Victoria’s “O magnum mysterium” and other beautiful settings of traditional carols by Mozart, Max Reger, and Steve Suter. Wondrous nativity settings, lullaby’s, and winter carols are orchestrated by the beloved composer, John Rutter, dating from the mid-1980’s to 2000.
Virtuoso vocal skills are required to perform this particular literature, and The Muses Project is particularly pleased to be featuring local favorite (currently singing with Placido Domingo’s Washington National Opera) mezzo-soprano, Sarah Mesko, whose rich and beautiful voice will shimmer in the chapel. Also, Nicole Vogel is quite excited to be returning to Hot Springs from Denver, since her last appearance here as Count Orlofsky in the Muses’ Fledermaus Gala. Deleen Davidson and Gay Strakshus round out the vocal quartet. These four talented female vocalists will be masterfully supported by a three part chamber ensemble, consisting of Louis Menendez, Steve Suter & Shelley Martin.
This is a “not miss” concert. Please join us.
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