Please join us for our upcoming concerts:
Winter 2008-09 Concert:
Devotion, Passion and Transcendence
Works of J. S. Bach, Giochino Rossini and Jonathan Elliott
This program features three works of concentrated musical style and textual intensity. The themes are religious, romantic and philosophical. The music represents Baroque, Romantic and Post Modern style periods. The program also features the blending of Eastern and Western music traditions, with a Hindustani piece based on ragas and culminating with a world premiere by Brooklyn composer Jonathan Elliott.
Program Order:
Jesu Meine Freude by J.S. Bach
Three Quartets by Giochino Rossini
A special performance by featured tabla and sitar artists.
World Premiere of THE SPACE BETWEEN by Jonathan Elliott
January 31 at 7PM, at Grace Church, 254 Hicks Street at Joralemon (in Brooklyn Heights)
February 1 at 4PM, at Old First Reformed Church, 126 Seventh Avenue at Carroll Street (in Park Slope)
This concert presented thanks to the generous support of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and the Brooklyn Arts Council.
Spring 2009
Grace & Spiritus Chorale of Brooklyn is pleased to present:
Inspiration: Princes, Gypsies and Ethos
Friday, May 15, 2009 at 8:00 pm at Old First Reform Church in Park Slope (7th Avenue and Carroll Street)
Sunday, May 17, 2009 at 4:00 pm at St. Ann's Church in Brooklyn Heights (corner of Clinton and Pierrepont)
Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at 7:30 pm at Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church in Fort Greene (South Oxford Street at Lafayette)
Admission: $15, $12 for Seniors and Children
Tickets available at the door and at Smarttix
Composers learn to negotiate many different voices when they embark on their work. A commissioning body, texts, musical philosophy and politics can all vie for attention in this process.
In this concert we explore these sources of inspiration for composers. These works speak for themselves, ultimately. The interplay between art, commerce and business can enliven our understanding of these pieces.
G. F. Handel (1685-1759) had been in London 17 years when his patron, George I of Hanover, appointed him "Composer of the Court". When King George died a few months later, Handel found himself with the task of composing the music for the coronation of the new king, George II. Handel rose to the task and created the Coronation Anthems that so perfectly fit the splendid occasion, they have been included in every ceremony since.
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) is well known for his love of folk and gyspy melody. He was also a choral conductor who understood the relationship and colors possible in the combination of voices. In the Ziegeunerlieder (Gypsy Songs) Brahms creates a choral song cycle that creates a musical portrait of rich passions and exciting journeys.
Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) looked backward for inspiration in a formal sense. Harmonically however he was firmly in his Zeitgeist. The choral writing in the two Psalm settings we will perform reflect these dual qualities. He furthers his craft as a transformer rather than an innovator.
Henrik Gorecki (b. 1933) has resisted the sway of commercial success, remaining true to his vision and philosophy. Broad Waters is a surprisingly simple setting of folk texts from his native Poland. They are broad departures from his early work, but distinguish themselves with their elegance and honesty.
We are proud of our ongoing collaboration with Opera on Tap, please visit their website