Author: Donna Ardizzoni

PRESS RELEASE: GLOUCESTER MEETINGHOUSE CONCERT
TITLE: Musica Sacra: George Frederic Handel’s oratorio ‘Israel in Egypt’
WHAT TO EXPECT: The biblical tale of the Exodus inspired Handel to write some of the most dramatic music of his career, depicting the story in vivid detail from the increasingly unpleasant plagues visited upon the Egyptians to the Israelites’ feelings of exultation and triumph in escaping their oppressors. Join Musica Sacra, their professional soloists and Baroque orchestra drawn from Boston’s best for this extraordinary musical journey. For more information and advance tickets please visit http://www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org

WHAT’S SPECIAL? One of the largest and most poignant oratorios in the entire Classical repertoire, Handel sets to music the sufferings of the Israelites under Pharaoh’s terrible enslavement and the incredible Biblical story of their symbolic baptism and dash to freedom in the Promised Land through the parted waters of the Red Sea, blessed by a loving God. This is a musical depiction of the most definitive story of God’s power and engagement by hearing the sufferings of his chosen people and directing a leader in Moses to take them out of bondage, using the waters of the Red Sea to drown the hapless Egyptians who give chase. This magnificent oratorio concludes with a hymn of praise to the Almighty for mercy, miraculous power and deliverance as only Handel could conceive.

WHEN: Saturday, March 18th 2017, 7:30pm

WHERE: The historic 1806 Gloucester Meetinghouse (home of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church), corner of Church & Middle Street.

ADMISSION (at the door or on-line at http://www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org):
$60 Preferred VIP Seating (reserved front rows & rear gallery)
$35 General
$25 College Students & Seniors (65+)
Under 17 free

PERFORMERS: From a choral repertoire spanning five centuries, Musica Sacra performs works both familiar and rare, with a crisp passion that awakens the listener to yearnings and joys, sorrows and delights—all that defines and inspires the best in human lives. In March 2015 the group performed J.S. Bach’s great Mass in B-minor at the Gloucester Meetinghouse to high acclaim.

Since 1959, Musica Sacra has been performing choral music with the highest standards of musical excellence and a sound that has been called “gifted,” “breathtaking,” and “uncommonly fresh and direct.” Director Mary Beekman, now in her 30th season, continues to thrill Musica Sacra’s singers and audiences with a varied and engaging repertoire.

The group has performed at the invitation of institutions such as the Boston Early Music Festival; WGBH Radio; The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; and the Fogg Art Museum of Harvard University. In 2003, Musica Sacra released their much-anticipated studio recording, Love, Lust, and Laudations: Flemish Choral Music of the High Renaissance. In 2004, Musica Sacra premièred Boston composer Daniel Pinkham’s Magnificat for chorus, soprano and wind quintet—a new work written especially for Mary Beekman and Musica Sacra.

SPECIAL MUSICIANS: Soloists are among Boston’s most acclaimed vocal artists:
Barbara Allen Hill, Soprano
Caroline R. Olsen, Mezzo-Soprano
Ian Pomerantz, Bass-Baritone
Janet Ross, Soprano
Jonas Budris, Tenor
Ulysses Thomas, Bass-Baritone
They will be joined by a large Baroque orchestra including strings, brass, woodwinds, timpani and organ continuo, as specified by Handel, drawn from New England’s finest players.

SPONSORSHIP: This Oratorio Series concert is made possible by our generous donors: J.J. & Jackie Bell, H. Woody Brock, Phil & Eve Cutter, Alec Dingee & Susan Gray, Charles Nazarian, and sole corporate sponsor, the Cape Ann Savings Bank. Additional sponsorships remain available. If you would like to be a donor in support of this annual Oratorio Series event please see our website for details:
http://www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org

ACCESSIBILITY: Persons with disabilities may enter from the 10 Church Street side entrance where there is an attendant and an elevator to the Meetinghouse sanctuary level.

AFTERWARDS: There will be a gala reception downstairs in the Vestry after the performance to which the entire audience is invited to meet the performers.

MORE INFORMATION EVENT CONTACT:
Charles Nazarian, president
Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation
10 Church Street
Gloucester, MA 01930
978-821-5291
chasnaz@gmail.com
http://www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org

MUSICIANS’ CONTACT:
Anne Riesenfeld
Executive Director
Musica Sacra
P O Box 381336
Cambridge, MA 02238
(617) 349-3400
ariesenfeld@musicasacra.org
http://www.musicasacra.org