The advent of spring has been heralded by composers in every period, and this program samples some of the most eloquent examples, from a late song cycle (opus 100) by Felix Mendelssohn to a celebration of Nature by Antonin Dvorak.
The British composer, E. J. Moeran, excerpted some of the finest verses for the season from the Elizabethan age for his suite, “Songs of Springtime,” while the contemporary American artist, Robert A. Harris, recognizes the spring’s typical weather with his “April Rain Song.” Similarly, the French Romantic composer, Vincent D’Indy offers two chansons for women’s voices. A highlight of this evocation of new birth will be the world premiere of a ‘Missa Brevis’ specially written for the occasion by the Chorus’s ‘Composer-in-Residence,’ Kerensa Briggs. The Chorus will separate into two choirs for antiphonal singing, complemented by a youth choir recruited from University City High School.
The venue is close to the school, First Presbyterian, that looms over Delmar Boulevard. Its Gothic structure will resonate beautifully with this music, both old and new.
For more information, http://chamberchorus.org/tickets