finding stories in new music

Programs

for voice and piano

Sacred Songtales

Perfect for a Sunday afternoon or perhaps a Friday evening vespers, this recital program for soprano, mezzo and piano runs approximately 55 minutes and brings together a variety of works from the 20^th century and beyond. Planned works include “Alleluia” by Ned Rorem, “King David” by Herbert Howells, “Song of Moses” by Richard Cumming, and John Carter’s Cantata. Future programming may include works for guitar and voice. Commissions for new works are in progress. This program is scheduled for July 31^st at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Fullerton.

for voice and piano

Modern Songtales

Our namesake, this 50-minute recital presentation for voice and piano uses spoken word, poetry and intimate conversation to draw the audience into the intense themes and challenging sounds found in these rarely-heard vocal selections. Works include Li Po settings by Constant Lambert, George Rochberg’s Eleven Songs for Mezzo-Soprano and songs by Babbitt, Armer, Persichetti and Pinkham. Each set illuminates a story found in the songs, in the lives of the composers, or fashioned through the placement of a variety of songs.

for two voices and organ

Pergolesi’s

Stabat Mater

Our most traditional offering, this 50-minute masterpiece is surprisingly story-driven and offers a great deal of programming flexibility. The music is magnificent, originally set for two voices and orchestra, but is frequently performed with organ for a more intimate presentation, which is our preference. The text is designed for Good Friday, illuminating the grief of Mary, but really echoes human grief and joy in salvation in what has been called “the most famous of all religious music”. It could be used very effectively as part of a longer Good Friday service, for instance, or individual pieces could be inserted into a smaller service. Also an excellent stand-alone concert, it could be a wonderful addition to a Lenten series, paired with other programming such as lectures and discussion groups.

Available Fall 2007

Holiday Songtales

Our latest endeavor, this program, mainly for voice and piano, combines the old and the new to celebrate the diversity and wonder of the holiday season: planned works include works for Hannukah, Christmas and secular holiday mania, and composers from Brahms to newly-commissioned works. This program could easily be adapted to include a choir from the host venue.

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