3 p.m., Sunday, January 27, 2013
Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts

Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts partners with The Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut under the leadership of Dr. Carole Ann Maxwell for a special performance, "Angels and Demons," at 3 p.m., Sunday, January 27, 2013 at the Quick Center. The performance features Beth Palmer , accompanist; Michael Jovovich , guest artist; and Anthony DeQuattro, on percussion. Tickets are $35; $10 for children and students.

With this concert, The Mendelssohn Choir ,one of Connecticut's favorite choral ensembles, presents a unique program that combines various styles, periods, and genres. "Our 'collage concert' makes unexpected partners of diverse songs and explores the relationships and interconnectedness of various musical styles," said Dr. Carole Ann Maxwell. "This concert respects and celebrates the great diversity of spiritual and human experiences represented among our singers and listeners. It is an innovative and daring blend of sacred and profane, drawing from the worlds of art music, the Negro Spiritual, and diverse forms of popular music from British rock to Broadway ballads."

From the medieval plainchant of "In Paradisum" to the stylized Venetian counterpoint of Jacob Handl's Duo Seraphim , angelic proclamations are set alongside more contemporary acclamations of the Gloria from the American composers Ron Nelson and Dominick Argento. Prayerful and poignant settings of angelic beauty are further embraced in the choral works of Gabriel Fauré and Sergei Rachmaninoff. The concert also features music by contemporary songwriters and performers and includes works by Florence and The Machine, Charlie Daniels, and Freddie Mercury.

The Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut (MCC), which is currently celebrating its 28th Anniversary Season, develops and promotes an appreciation of choral music to educate its members and the general public in the musical arts. It mines an extensive repertoire that embraces musical works of all periods and genres including classical, contemporary, opera, and pop. The Choir has performed to enthusiastic audiences in Rome, Florence, Prague, Vienna and Budapest, returning to Carnegie Hall in January 2011, and touring Ireland in June 2012.

MCC was originally founded in 1984 by alumni of the Fairfield University Chamber Singers wishing to continue a musical association with Dr. Carole Ann Maxwell , the artistic director of The Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut since its inception. Recognizing the talent and achievements of the Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut, acclaimed ensembles such as the Greater Bridgeport Symphony Orchestra, the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra, and the Wallingford Symphony Orchestra continue to seek out the Choir for concert collaborations. MCC has also been privileged to perform with both Distinguished Concerts International of New York and Mid-America Productions at Carnegie Hall. Besides leading the MCC, Dr. Maxwell has served as Director of Choral and Liturgical Music for Fairfield University since 1980, and has been the Conductor of the Summer Festival Chorus at the Quick Center since its beginnings 16 years ago.

While MCC focuses first on its artistry, it is also keenly aware of its responsibility to increase public awareness of, and involvement in, the arts in our area. The Choir's Outreach Program, the Mendelssingers, sends Choir members to hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and various community events to bring the wonder and awe of live choral music to those special venues.The performance is presented in collaboration with Fairfield University and the Quick Center for the Arts.

Tickets are available through the Quick Center Box Office: (203) 254-4010, or toll-free 1-877-ARTS-396 (1-877-278-7396). Tickets can also be purchased online at www.quickcenter.com .

Posted On: 01-08-2013 11:01 AM

Volume: 45 Number: 145