The Monadnock Chorus is making final preparations for our spring concert: Bach’s dramatic St. John Passion. The chorus will be accompanied by a professional baroque orchestra on period instruments, and vocal specialists in baroque style who will join the chorus to sing the lead roles in this incredible composition. Our guest artists are joining us from Philadelphia, New York, Boston and as far away as Bloomington, Indiana. Some of our esteemed artists include Marika Holmquist, concertmaster, whose playing has been hailed as “mightily impressive, tonally attractive and intellectually secure” (Philadelphia Inquirer). Marika enjoys an active freelance career performing as concertmaster and or principal for ensembles as diverse as Spire Ensemble (Kansas City), Handel Choir (Baltimore), and Barocco Boreale (Finland). Her 20 – odd recordings include the GRAMMY-nominated Handel’s Israel in Egypt with the Trinity Wall Street Choir and Baroque Orchestra. Charles Blandy, will sing the role of the tenor Evangelist. Charles has been praised as “a versatile tenor with agility, endless breath, and vigorous high notes” (Goldberg Early Music Magazine). Recent performances include Handel’s Messiah with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra; the role of Belmonte in Mozart’s Abduction from the Seraglio with Emmanuel Music; and roles in Monteverdi’s three operas, with Boston Early Music Festival. With Emmanuel Music he has appeared in John Harbison’s The Great Gatsby; and leading roles in Stravinsky’s Rake’s Progress, Mozart’s Magic Flute, and Handel’s Ariodante. Nacole Palmer, will appear as our soprano soloist. Nacole has been praised by the New York Times as “most impressive,” “gorgeous,” “lovely,” “precise, brightly projected” and for her “depth and nuance,” Nacole Palmer is a soprano to watch in the early music scene, and is equally at home on the operatic and recital stages. The Yale Herald lauded her “distinguished grace” and declared that Ms. Palmer’s arias were “delivered with such pure emotion that the audience had no recourse but to feel her heartache.” Rudy Girón, countertenor, will perform as the alto soloist, Jacob Cooper, baritone will sing the roles of Pilate/Peter and baritone Brian Chu will sing the role of Jesus. The Chorus is also joined by 3 SING! participants, Paulina Allen, Austin Davis and Winona Marie Gertler. These young people applied for and were awarded the opportunity to sing with the chorus via the Monadnock Chorus SING! program, which was introduced in fall of 2015 to support youth in our region who wish to perform large choral works at a high level. Concerts dates for “St. John Passion” are Saturday May 14th at 7:30 PM and Sunday May 15th at 3:00 PM. Both concerts will be at the Peterborough Town House. Concert Tickets are $18 in advance, $20 at the door. Tickets are available at Steeles, Toadstool in Peterborough and online at www.monadnock-chorus.org
Monadnock Chorus provides singers the opportunity to perform outstanding choral works, and presents collaborative choral engagement and education programs for all communities within the Monadnock region. Key to our long-term success is the promotion of choral singing as an art form amongst residents of all ages. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings, 7-9 PM. For information about singing with us, or about upcoming events, please check our website or LIKE us on Facebook. www.monadnock-chorus.org.
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