Barbara Jones on Handel’s ‘Samson’

Many people today equate Handel with “Messiah”, his most famous oratorio. In an amazing burst of creative activity in 1741, Handel followed the completion of “Messiah” with “Samson”, composed within five weeks of “Messiah”! It was an immediate success, receiving more...

Barbara Jones on the Schubert Mass in E-Flat

In a mere 31 years, Schubert made significant contributions to the development of western music on many fronts. While “revolutionary” in some areas, such as the development of lieder and the exploration of harmonic relationships, he worked within the traditional forms...

Siri Smedvig on ‘The Lark Ascending’

I have vivid memories of listening to the bird calls in the trees on my daily walk home from grade school in Seattle, where I grew up. I would try and spot the singing bird, offering back my mimicked version of their song. I was thrilled when the bird sang back to me...

Powerful ‘War Requiem’ reverberates at Mechanics Hall

 By Joyce Tamer, Telegram & Gazette Reviewer This past weekend the nation observed Veterans’ Day honoring military personnel from all wars, and also commemorated the centennial of the United States entry into World War I. There could not have been a more fitting...

Area Singer to Revisit Tanglewood Premiere

The Sounds of Stow Chorus’ collaborative performance of Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem on November 12th in Worcester will be especially memorable for one particular member. Acton resident Naomi Newell will be singing with the alto section, reprising a performance she...