Your spring arts lineup: classical music
Please note: This article is published as an archive copy from Philadelphia City Paper. My City Paper is not affiliated with Philadelphia City Paper. Philadelphia City Paper was an alternative weekly newspaper in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The last edition was published on October 8, 2015.
We picked some highlights of the oddly bloody upcoming season: War Sonatas, Mass in Time of War, the Kaddish-Requiem and singing nuns getting guillotined.
Yannick Nézet-Séguin
Academy of Vocal Arts
Tchaikovsky’s operas are not heard nearly as often as his symphonies, but they are equally great. It is a rare treat to hear his Pique Dame, based on Pushkin. Local Russian music master Ghenady Meirson will play a piano reduction to accompany the singers.
Jan. 18, 21, 23 and 25, Helen Corning Warden Theater, avaopera.org.
Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia
Here is an interesting combination of politically inspired music separated by two centuries. Haydn’s Mass in Time of War is a reflection on the French aggression against Austria in the 18th century, whereas Arvo Pärt matured in the suppressed Soviet era.
Feb. 23, Church of the Holy Trinity, mcchorus.org.
Opera Philadelphia/Curtis Opera Theater
The excellent collaboration continues, this time with a dramatic masterpiece of 20th-century opera, Poulenc’s Dialogue of the Carmelites, set in the French reign of terror.
March 5, 7 and 9, Kimmel Center, curtis.edu.
Tempesta di Mare
In an unusual bit of programming, this baroque ensemble features music written for the “Sun King” (Louis XIV) by Lully and for the sun god, Apollo, by Kusser and Stravinsky.
March 8, Kimmel Center, tempestadimare.org.
The Philadelphia Orchestra
Yannick Nézet-Séguin has demonstrated particular strength in large choral works. These concerts feature Faure’s sublimely beautiful and gentle Requiem, the yin to Verdi’s yang. The lush program includes music by Gabrieli, Villa-Lobos, Franck and Duruflé.
March 13-15, Kimmel Center, philorch.org.
1807 and Friends
Pianist Cynthia Raim, a true local treasure, is the guest artist of this venerable chamber music ensemble. A lovely program of Beethoven, Mozart and Dvorak.
March 17, Academy of Vocal Arts, frnd1807@verizon.net.
Ignat Solzhenitsyn
All three of Prokofiev’s fiery, superbly expressive War Sonatas for solo piano will be performed by a man whose family history is directly tied to the Soviet experience.
March 20, Kimmel Center, pcmsconcerts.org.
Network for New Music
NNM celebrates the music of John Harbison with two concerts and a spate of music, including jazz-influenced material, as well as works by composers inspired by Harbison. The composer himself will be present to take a spin at the conductor’s podium.
April 4, Rock Hall; April 6, Gould Rehearsal Hall; networkfornewmusic.org.
Astral Artists
Grieg wrote some of his most beautiful music by adapting folk music from the mountains of his native Norway. That material will be the centerpiece of this recital, including some bewitching and seldom-performed vocal selections.
May 4, Trinity Center, astralartists.org.
Orchestra 2001
Four modern classics are on this invigorating program, highlighting unique views of nature and religion. Music by Dutilleux, Schwantner, Messiaen and the powerful anti-war 1973 Kaddish-Requiem by Philadelphia area composer Richard Wernick.
May 9, Trinity Center; May 11, Swarthmore College; orchestra2001.org.
