An Evening of English Choral Music

An Evening of English Choral Music at

Sacred Music in a Sacred Space

On Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at 8:00 PM, the Choir and Orchestra of St. Ignatius Loyola perform gems of the English choral tradition by Handel, Purcell and Howells. George Frideric Handel’s beloved Coronation Anthem No. 1, “Zadok the Priest,” was written for the coronation of King George II of England in 1727 and has been sung at every coronation service since that time.  From an astonishing pianissimo introduction to its exuberant concluding alleluias, this masterpiece of the baroque is a joyous curtain-raiser!

Two a cappella selections by English Cathedral composer Herbert Howells reflect the influence of Vaughan Williams and early music of the English choral tradition. Written on the death of President John F. Kennedy, Jr., the motet Take Him, Earth, for Cherishingeloquently and tenderly extols a text of Prudentius (348-413). In utter contrast, Antiphon, with text by George Herbert (1593-1633) explodes in choral rapture. The Choir of St. Ignatius Loyola was recently hailed as “magnificent” by The New York Times. Hear them at their best in these stunning examples of their core repertoire.

Henry Purcell’s Ode on St. Cecilia’s Day from 1692 is often regarded as one of his finest compositions and has been considered a star vehicle for countertenor since its re-emergence under the artistry of Alfred Deller. Written in 1692 by Nicholas Brady, Chaplain to the Queen, the text is based on Dryden’s famous ode of 1687. Brady’s poem honors music’s patron, Saint Cecilia, and colorfully portrays the emotions conjured by the instruments of music. Countertenor Matthew Shaw is joined by soprano Melissa Kelley, tenor Michael Kelly, baritone Jesse Blumberg and bass-baritone Charles Perry Sprawls in this performance. Mr. Shaw is the 2009 winner of the Richard Westenburg prize, Oratorio Society of New York Solo Competition.

All concerts take place at the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola, 980 Park Avenue at 84th Street, New York City, easily reached via the 4/5/6 subway lines or buses on Madison, Lexington, and Fifth Avenues, and on 86th Street. The church is accessible to the physically challenged. 

Subscription packages and single tickets are available. Tickets are available online through www.smssconcerts.org or by calling the concert information line at 212-288-2520; VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover accepted. Concert information is available at Sacred Music in a Sacred Space’s website atwww.smssconcerts.org. Email inquiries may also be sent tomusic@saintignatiusloyola.org.

PRESS: for press tickets or further information about artists or concert programs, please contact

Erin Acheson, Music Administrator, at 646-981-2612 or achesone@stignatiusloyola.org. 

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Church of St. Ignatius Loyola

980 Park Avenue at 84^th Street, New York, NY  10028

212-288-2520  ·  music@saintignatiusloyola.org

ª  www.smssconcerts.org  ª

2009 – 2010 Sacred Music in a Sacred Space Series

Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at 8:00 PM

GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL:  Coronation Anthem No. 1, “Zadok the Priest”

HERBERT HOWELLS:  Antiphon

HERBERT HOWELLS:  Take Him, Earth, for Cherishing

HENRY PURCELL:  Ode on St. Cecilia’s Day (1692)

Choir and Orchestra of St. Ignatius Loyola

Kent Tritle, conductor

Melissa Kelley, soprano

Matthew Shaw, countertenor

Michael Kelly, tenor

Jesse Blumberg, baritone

Charles Perry Sprawls, bass-baritone

7:00 PM Pre-concert organ recital by Nancianne Parrella, Associate Organist

Works of Purcell, Handel and Howells

Tickets:

Preferred Seating = $50; General Seating = $40, $30 (students/seniors)

Order online – now with no fee – at www.smssconcerts.org or call 212-288-2520

Subscription packages are available at a savings of up to 15%.