November 2009
PURCELL: Hear my Prayer, O Lord, Z. 15 PURCELL: Chacony in G minor, Z. 730 PURCELL: O Sing Unto the Lord a New Song, Z. 44 PURCELL: Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626
Experience the luminescent voice of “America’s favorite mezzo” Susan Graham, as she performs Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas with Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra. A Baroque masterpiece, this mythical tale of love, passion, betrayal and madness was the first English opera. Purcell is one of PBO’s most beloved composers, and to celebrate his 350th birthday, Music Director Nicholas McGegan will conduct a stellar cast of vocalists, the Orchestra’s outstanding musicians and the wonderful Philharmonia Chorale in an all Purcell program. The program features Purcell’s suite written for Aphra Behn’s Abdelazar, or The Moor’s Revenge, a tragedy of bloody political intrigue in the Spanish Court, and his early Chacony in G minor, putting an English spin on the popular French dance. Don’t miss this enchanting, star-studded evening!
San Jose Mercury News: "Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra: One of the world's premier early-music orchestras, based here in the Bay Area, has put together what looks like another remarkable season. If I were to choose one program, it would be "The Passion of Dido," an all-Purcell event (Nov. 5-8) with a slew of marvelous singers, including the extra-marvelous mezzo-soprano Susan Graham." - Fall Concert Preview, Critic's Choice
San Francisco Classical Voice: "With the resplendent opera Dido and Aeneas the featured work on an all-Purcell program, this concert would be a pleasure for Baroque fans under any circumstances. A strong roster of guest artists, including mezzo-soprano Susan Graham, baritone William Berger, and soprano Christine Brandes, makes it one of the season’s top picks." - Fall Concert Preview, Editors' Choice
San Francisco Examiner: "Acclaimed mezzo-soprano Susan Graham performs Henry Purcell’s "Dido and Aeneas," the first English opera. Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, under direction of Nicholas McGegan, observes the composer’s 350th birthday in a performance also featuring the Philharmonia Chorale." - Fall Concert Preview, Critic's Choice
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"A listener can only submit to [Graham's] lustrous voice that abounds in expressive colors" - Cleveland Plain Dealer
Concert Dates Palo Alto Sat, Nov 7, 8:00 pm Berkeley Sun, Nov 8, 7:30 pm Berkeley Wed, Nov 11, 8:00 p.m.
Resources SFist.com Interview with Susan Chronicle Interview with Susan L.A. Times Interview with Nic and Susan
On A415: Behind the scenes: Nic and Susan's L.A. Times Interview
Links
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