May 3 at 3:00 PM
The Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda, MD
The Washington Bach Consort
In Praise of Music
The Consort's 31st season concludes with a grand finale at the Music Center at Strathmore as we pay tribute to Bach's contemporary, George Frideric Handel. This spectacular all-Handel program commemorates the 250th anniversary of the composer's death with a large-scale performance of five of his most beloved works, including the "Water Music," the recently discovered "Gloria," two of his festive "Coronation Anthems" and the majestic Ode for St. Cecilia's Day.
For more information, call 202-429-2121.
May 3 at 4:00 PM
Towson United Methodist Church, Towson, MD
A Symphony with Voices: Haydn's Paukenmesse
3pm pre-concert lecture by Carl B. Schmidt, Towson University
Haydn's Paukenmesse, Hob. XXII: 9 in C Major
Emily Noel soprano
Jenna Lebherz alto
Gran Wilson tenor
Sumner Thompson bass
Melinda O'Neal conductor
Handel Choir and Handel Period Instrument Orchestra
Special guest: Handel Children's Choir
Resplendent with innovations, Haydn's mature six symphonic-style Masses are the classical period's crowning achievement in the Mass genre. Paukenmesse (Kettledrum Mass), also known as Missa in tempore belli (Mass in Time of War), is among the most popular of the six, with increased and freshened use of counterpoint, a unified sense of motivic construction and clear overall structural cohesion. Hear the beautiful duet for bass voice and cello solo in "Qui tollis", the dramatic setting of Agnus Dei with solo timpani, Handelian "amens", and even an operatic ensemble finale!
For more information, call 410-366-6544.
May 5 at noon
Church of the Epiphany, Washington, DC
The Washington Bach Consort
Noontime Cantatas: Ich hatte viel Bekümmernis, BWV 21
For more information, call 202-429-2121.
May 17 at 7:30 PM
Pre-concert lecture at 6:30 PM
Grand Salon, Renwick Gallery, Washington, DC
The Smithsonian Chamber Players: Marilyn McDonald and Julie Andrijeski, violins; Kenneth Slowik, viola da gamba and violoncello; James Weaver, harpsichord and organ
Masterworks of Five Centuries: Trio Sonatas of Henry Purcell and Georg Friderick Handel
For more information, call 202-633-3030.
