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Bel Canto Chorus presents the live world premiere of Alexander Levine’s eloquent, unaccompanied Prayers for Mankind, celebrating unity, humanity, wisdom, and love. Featuring Bel Canto Chorus and Bel Canto Boy Choirs.

Featured artwork – Vignette Bei Einiges by Wassily Kandinsky: Russian painter and graphic artist Wassily Kandinsky had a fascination with music’s emotional power. This woodcut in black and white was hand-printed in a limited edition of 300 for his 1911 Klänge (Sounds) series. The original will be on display courtesy of the David Barnett Gallery, and order forms for giclée reproductions will be available at the concert.

 

Christmas in the Basilica

Saturday, December 8, 2012 at 7:30 pm
Sunday, December 9, 2012 at 3:00 pm and 6:30 pm
The Basilica of Saint Josaphat 
2333 S. Sixth St., Milwaukee, WI 53215 

John Rutter’s Gloria, beloved carols and hymns, and the rich sounds of festive brass make for the perfect beginning to every family’s holiday season. Bel Canto Chorus, Bel Canto Boy Choirs, and the Stained Glass Brass will fill the Basilica with song, bringing the music of Christmas to vivid, joyful life. 

Featured artwork – Nativity Setting by Ruth Grotenrath: Milwaukee couple Ruth Grotenrath and Schomer Lichtner created thousands of paintings during their lives, including a whimsical collection of Christmas cards from the 1950s and 1960s. An exhibit of their Christmas silk screens will be on display before and after the concert, courtesy of the David Barnett Gallery.
 

Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Sunday, January 20, 2013 at 5:00 pm
Holy Redeemer Institutional Church of God in Christ
3500 W Mother Daniels Way, Milwaukee, WI 53209

This second annual commemorative concert combines the immortal words of Dr. King with music that compels us to stand, clap, and sing. Featuring Bel Canto Chorus and Milwaukee Chamber Orchestra.

Featured artwork – Inspiration II by Reginald K. Gee: Wisconsin-born artist, Reginald K. Gee, of both African and Native American descent, explores the theme of inspiration using Dr. King’s own words. The original, which was exhibited at the Smithsonian Museum in 1999 as part of a collection honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., along with a giclée print and a small collection of religious-themed original art works by Reginald K. Gee, will be on display at the concert, courtesy of the David Barnett Gallery.

All Night Vigil (Vespers)

Sunday, March 10, 2013 at 3:00 pm
St. Joseph Center Chapel
1501 S Layton Blvd. (S 27th St.), Milwaukee, WI 53215

Bel Canto Chorus presents Sergei Rachmaninoff’s profoundly moving All-Night Vigil. In honor of Maestro Hynson’s 25th anniversary as Music Director, Bel Canto will also present the world premiere of its newly commissioned work by Alexander Levine. Featuring Bel Canto Chorus and Bel Canto Boy Choirs.

Join us in the St. Joseph Hall after the concert for a celebratory reception!

Ein Deutsches Requiem

Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 7:30 pm
Oconomowoc Arts Center
641 E Forest St., Oconomowoc, WI 53066

Sunday, May 19. 2013 at 3:00 pm
Christ King Parish
2604 North Swan Blvd., Wauwatosa, WI 53226

Offering redemptive hope and peace through music, Brahms’s Requiem shows the first flowering of his large-scale orchestral style and is considered by many scholars to be the precursor to his First Symphony. By composing a work filled with tenderness and redemptive hope, Brahms rejected the strict doctrine of the traditional Roman Catholic Mass for the Dead. Featuring Bel Canto Chorus, Jubilate Chorus, Vicki Taylor, director, and Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Edo de Waart, Music Director.  Special guest soloists are Bel Canto’s 2012 Regional Artists Competition winner, Laura Strickling (soprano), and Gerard Sundberg (baritone).  

Pre-concert exhibition (Oconomowoc only): The Spirit of Brahms
A multi-disciplinary event featuring the Oconomowoc High School art and music departments will begin at 5:00 pm at the OAC. Indoor and outdoor activities will be open to the public, and food will be available for purchase.

Featured artwork – Joy from “Les Bucoliques” XVII by Henri de Fantin-Latour: French painter and lithographer Henri de Fantin-Latour created this original black and white lithograph signed in stone in 1904. His artwork reflected his love of German operas and their commentaries on humanity, redemption, and the meaning of life. It will be on display at the concert and prints of the original lithograph will be available for sale, courtesy of the David Barnett Gallery.