The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
‘The Sound of the Trumpet’ is concert theme
LAKEVILLE — Crescendo presents its fall choral program with music of rejoicing and remembrance, with two concerts on Nov. 10-11. Featured British composers are the beloved 17th century composer Henry Purcell and 20th century Britain’s eminent composer Sir John Tavener. The music of the international prizewinning composer Scott Perkins commemorates New England life, and includes music composed to poetry of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Emily Dickinson, Lydia Huntley Sigourney, and Nathaniel Hawthorn.
The Nov. 10 concert will be held at 6 p.m. at Saint James Place, 352 Main St., Great Barrington, MA.
On Nov. 11, the concert begins at 4 p.m. at Trinity Church Lakeville, 484 Lime Rock Rd, Lakeville.
Henry Purcell, born in London in 1659, was the most important English composer of the middle Baroque period. He wrote for the church, the stage, and the court, and was most remembered for his songs, the opera Dido and Aeneas and his incidental music to a version of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream called The Fairy Queen. The 20th century British composer Sir John Kenneth Tavener (1944-2013), one of the best-known composers of his generation, wrote mostly religious works. His Song for Athene, included in this program, was performed at the funeral service of Diana, Princess of Wales as her cortege left Westminster Abbey.
Born in Connecticut, 38-yearold Scott Perkins began composing at age five, studied composi-
tion at the Hartt School at 12, and won his first competition at 14. His works include art songs, opera, musical theater, film, choral and chamber music, and have been performed throughout North America and Europe. He has collaborated with musical and non-musical artists including Tony Award-winning playwrights, Emmywinning filmmakers and celebrated poets.
Christine Gevert, Crescendo’s founder and Artistic Director, said, “Music often accompanies the joyful as well as the sorrowful moments of our lives. Our program features some of the most splendid music composed for the festive day of Saint Cecilia, the patroness of music, in late 17th century England. Henry Purcell’s Te Deum & Jubilate Deo Z. 232 is one his most celebratory pieces in which the trumpets and singers are in constant dialogue. In the same spirit is the contemporary Jubilate Deo by Scott Perkins, in which the eight voices of the chorus alternate with the organ. Both Requiems are contemplative and soothing, featuring words that console and uplift, and sounds that are intended to give us an inkling of eternity.”
The Crescendo Chorus will be joined by soloists including countertenor Nicholas Tamagna hailed by the New York Times as “a standout… singing with a luminous countertenor, strong coloratura and dramatic conviction.” There will be period brass including trumpets, strings, basso continuo and organ. Christine Gevert will conduct. This concert is underwritten in part by a grant from Entergy Corp. on behalf of Maureen Bateman.
Tickets are $35 general admission, $60 premium seating, and $10 students. For more information and tickets: www.worldclassmusic.org