2010-2011

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Hell’s Angels – Masters of the Violin
October 8, 9, 13 at 7:30 p.m.

Garry Clarke – Director

Arcangelo (“the archangel”) Corelli was known for writing some hellishly difficult music to play! When he played the violin it is said: “His countenance [became] distorted, his eyes sometimes turn[ed] as red as fire…[and] his eyeballs roll[ed] as in an agony.” Corelli’s student Locatelli was said to “sound like the devil.” The music and playing of Tartini is our other angel this evening.

Corelli – Concerto Grosso Op. 6, No. 11
Locatelli – Concerto Grosso Op. 1, No. 1
Torelli – Concerto Grosso Op. 6, No. 3
Tartini – Concerto Grosso in G Major (reconstructed by Garry Clarke)

Charlie’s Angels – Music from the Court of Charles II
January 13, 15, 19 at 7:30 p.m.

Garry Clarke – Director

In 1660, Charles II returned from exile in France as Monarch of England. While in France he became a great admirer of Louis XIV’s violin band, “Vingt-quatre Violins du Roi.” Back in England, it wasn’t long before Charlie had his own angels, called “The Twenty-four Violins (even though there were many more than 24 players!). Baroque Band will recreate the era of Charles II with music including:

Purcell – The Staircase overture
Grabu – Incidental Music to Rochester’s play Valentinian
Blow – Chaconne
Locke – Suite from Cupid and Death
Croft – Sonata in 5 parts

Heavenly Angel
March 17, 18, 20 at 7:30 p.m.

Lucy Crowe – soprano
Harry Bicket – guest director

You won’t want to miss one of Britain’s most exciting young sopranos, the heavenly Lucy Crowe, who will join Baroque Band between her performances in Hercules at Lyric Opera.

“Lucy Crowe dazzles with her every appearance, a young singer extravagantly blessed with look-at-me-and-listen charisma…” Anthony Tommasini, The New York Times

Harry Bicket, Artistic Director of the world-renowned period-instrument orchestra The English Concert, will join the Band as Guest Director. The program will feature all-time favorite baroque opera arias, including Cleopatra’s great lament, Se pietà (If you feel no pity), and the dazzling Da tempeste (Ravaged by storms), from  Handel’s Giulio Cesare.

La Resurrezione
June 2, 4, 8 at 7:30 p.m.

Garry Clarke – Director
Dianne Atherton – The Angel
Kevin Deas – Lucifer

First performed in 1708, Handel’s oratorio La Resurrezione is his most colorful composition from his time in Rome. Written to text by Carlo Sigismondo Capece, La Resurrezione details the events between – and during – Good Friday and Easter Sunday beginning with an Angel arriving at the gates of hell to confront the ranting Lucifer. Glittering coloratura, the showy boasting Lucifer, grave laments, and sweet elegies will sweep you to the conclusion of Baroque Band’s fourth season!

Featuring British soprano Dianne Atherton as the Angel and renowned American bass Kevin Deas as Lucifer.

Handel’s Messiah
December 1, 2010 at 7 p.m.

Directed by Garry Clarke
with Chicago’s Bella Voce singers

Weds., December 1, 2010

Baroque Band joins forces with Chicago’s “spectacular” and “luminous” Bella Voce singers to bring you Handel’s extraordinary masterpiece.

Chicago Cultural Center’s Preston Bradley Hall
78 E. Washington St., Chicago

Sponsored by Birmingham Sister Cities.