Bel Canto Chorus Celebrates Community TiesBel Canto begins the season with Gioacchino Rossini’s final work: the Petite Messe Solennelle, which as Rossini himself pointed out was neither petite nor particularly solemn. This work for four soloists, chorus, two pianos, and harmonium shows Rossini at his witty, profound best. Bel Canto will offer this extraordinary work on October 19th at 3 PM at Shully’s Watermark in Thiensville where, like the nobility who attended the premiere, guest will be able to sip Italian wine, eat delicacies, and allow the performers transport them to a more genteel time. In December, the traditions of Christmas will come alive once more in Christmas at the Basilica on Saturday, December 13th at 7:30 PM and Sunday, December 14th at 3 PM and 6:30 PM. Returning to the Basilica of St. Josaphat, patrons will hear performances of their favorite carols and have the opportunity to sing along with Bel Canto, the Stained Glass Brass, and organ. We will also perform Music Director Richard Hynson’s own composition The Christmas Story and will present the American premiere of Gordon Thornett’s Gloria. On January 17, 2015 at 3 PM at Holy Redeemer Church of God in Christ, the powerful words of Dr. King and the music of his time will resound once more in a Tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. as we commemorate his life and recognize the progress made toward his dream of peace and brotherhood. Bel Canto will join the choir of Holy Redeemer Church of God in Christ and gospel soloists to celebrate with music of hope, peace, and joy. Bel Canto will offer the rare opportunity to hear Johann Sebastian Bach’s St. Matthew Passion performed live at St. Dominic Catholic Parish in Brookfield on March 22, 2015. This monumental oratorio, considered by the composer himself to be his crowning triumph, combines the artistry of soloists, two choruses, our boy choir, and two chamber orchestras to retell the drama of Christ’s final days through the words of St. Matthew. As Bach himself wanted his congregation to understand the text with an immediacy that Latin could not offer, he wrote his oratorio in the vernacular. In keeping with his intent, our performance will be presented in English. On May 20, 2015 at 7 PM, Bel Canto will present a program of 20th and 21st century American music, some of it already iconic and some hot off the presses. Modern American Choral Masters at 1451 Renaissance Place will include performances of Eric Whitacre’s Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine and Cloudburst, as well as works by upcoming composers such as Jake Runestad, Paul Fowler, and even some Billy Joel! Tickets ($25 - $55) are available online at www.belcanto.org or by phone at (414) 481-8801. FlexPasses can also be purchased by phone only to save up to 20% off Tier 1 single ticket prices. Senior, student, and group discounts are available. The 2014-25 Bel Canto Chorus concert season is presented in part with support from the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF); the Bradley Foundation; the Herzfeld Foundation; CAMPAC, the Milwaukee County Arts Board; and the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts. LISTING INFORMATION Petite messe solennelle - Gioacchino Rossini October 19, 2014 at 3:00 PM Shully’s Watermark, 146 Green Bay Road, Thiensville, WI 53092 Christmas in the Basilica With Bel Canto Boy Choirs and Stained Glass Brass December 13 at 7:30 PM December 14 at 3 & 6:30 PM St. Josaphat Basilica, 2333 South 6th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53215. Tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. January 17, 2015 at 3:00 PM Holy Redeemer Institutional Church of God in Christ, 3500 W Mother Daniels Way, Milwaukee, WI 53209 St. Matthew Passion – JS Bach With Milwaukee Chamber Orchestra March 22, 2015 at 3:00 PM St. Dominic Catholic Parish, 18255 W Capitol Drive, Brookfield, WI 53045 Modern American Choral Masters May 20, 2015 at 7 PM 1451 Renaissance Place, 1451 Prospect Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202 |
