Gloria Musicae Announces 2016-2017 Season: “Musical Journeys”
Gloria Musicae’s 38th season takes audiences on a journey across countries and cultures with “Too Hot to Handel,” a gospel version of Handel’s “Messiah”; Viva España!,” showcasing a tapestry of the music of Spain; “Faithfully French Choral Classics,” featuring two of the most popular and highly regarded choral pieces of the 20th century; “Brahms’ Lullaby and Beyond“; Verdi’s “Requiem”; and “Voices of Freedom,” a celebration of American music and words.
(Sarasota, FL) Gloria Musicae launches its 38th season with more of the innovative, cutting-edge programming that has become the organization’s hallmark under the artistic direction of Dr. Joseph Holt. With a scintillating combination of vibrant programming and outstanding musicianship, Gloria Musicae undertakes a “Musical Journey” for the 16/17 season, treating audiences to a cultural excursion of unparalleled vocal excellence. Performed by the Gloria Musicae Singers, Sarasota’s only professional vocal ensemble, the concerts include “Viva España!” showcasing the fiery and sensual music of Spain and the New World and featuring chorus accompanied by guitar, piano and dancer (November 6; Siesta Key Chapel); “Too Hot to Handel,” the familiar music of Handel’s “Messiah” treated in a hot gospel style that will raise the roof, presented with members of the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe and the Sarasota Orchestra (December 11; Sarasota Opera House); “Brahms’ Lullaby and Beyond,” the Hungarian side to Brahms comes to life in his “Gypsy Songs” set for chamber chorus and the “Love Songs,” which are some of the loveliest pieces he ever composed (January 22; Faith Lutheran Church); “Faithfully French Choral Classics” features two of the most popular and highly regarded choral pieces of the 20th century: Poulenc’s “Gloria” and Duruflé’s “Requiem,” with guest organist Stephen Hamilton from New York City and baritone David Davani, recent semi-finalist in the Artist Series National Competition for Voice (March 5; First Church); Verdi’s “Requiem,” in tribute to Maestro Victor DeRenzi and the Sarasota Opera’s “Verdi Cycle,” presented in collaboration with the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay, the Sarasota Orchestra, and four outstanding soloists (April 23; Sarasota Opera House); and “Voices of Freedom,” featuring settings of famous texts in American history that define our unique independence (July 4; First Church).
“The 2016-2017 season offers audiences a ticket to a musical journey across cultures from the comfort of the armchair of your favorite concert spaces,” says Joseph Holt, the organization’s artistic director. “Highlighting the music of Spain, Germany, France, Italy, England and America, audiences will take great delight in the choral smorgasbord of musical genres presented by Gloria Musicae.”
Tickets for Gloria Musicae performances, ranging from $20 to $60, will be available in September for the 2016-2017 season.
For more information about Gloria Musicae, visit www.GloriaMusicae.org.
About Gloria Musicae
Gloria Musicae celebrates choral music through innovative performances. The critically acclaimed group, the Gloria Musicae Singers, under the artistic direction of Dr. Joseph Holt, performs a repertoire spanning four centuries, and includes orchestral works, intimate madrigals, church motets, folk songs, close-harmony jazz, and Broadway show music. The ensemble also specializes in premiere performances of lesser-known choral works, particularly music by living American composers. The Gloria Musicae Singers has performed premieres by René Clausen, Dick Hyman, Robert Levin, Gwyneth Walker, and James Grant, along with the premiere of a new edition of a rarely heard score by Rossini. For more information about Gloria Musicae, visit www.gloriamusicae.org.
