BRUNSWICK — The Oratorio Chorale will present a concert of music from the Baroque Era, featuring the Bach “Mass in G-Minor ( the Lutheran Mass),” Handel’s “ Foundling Hospital Anthem” and Vivaldi’s “Gloria” on Saturday and Sunday. The Maine Chamber Ensemble will accompany the chorale.
Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in Studzinski Recital Hall, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, and at 3 p.m. Sunday at Falmouth Congregational Church.
Soloists for this program are Jennifer Hansen, mezzo-soprano, Timothy Neill Johnson, tenor, John D. Adams, bass, and sopranos Aaron Dustin and Dana Hinchliffe.
In his notes, director Peter Frewen points out that human suffering and concern for the poor are common themes of the three works on the program. The tone of the Bach “Mass in G-Minor” is one of deep tribulation. The works by Vivaldi and Handel share familiarity with the plight of orphans and children. Vivaldi’s “Gloria” was written during his tenure at the Ospedale della Pieta, in Venice, one of four orphanages for orphans and children whose parents were unable to care for them.
Handel’s “Foundling Hospital Anthem,” also known as “Blessed are they that considereth the poor,” continues this theme. It was written to raise crucial funds for London’s first home for abandoned children.
In keeping with this sentiment, representatives of Free the Kids (Proje Espwa) in Haiti will have a table at this program, seeking donations. Dr. Marc Boisvert, founder of Free the Kids, is a Lewiston native. The project includes an orphanage, a clinic and school with K-12 classes, as well as a vocational program.
Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, half price for students, and free for children younger than 12. Tickets can be purchased from members of the group, at Gulf of Maine Books in Brunswick; Now You’re Cooking and Etc. Finery in Bath; Book Review in Falmouth; Sherman’s Books and Stationery in Freeport; Clayton’s in Yarmouth; and Starbird Music and Longfellow Books in Portland.
For more information about this concert and the 2011-12 season, visit www.oratoriochorale.org. For ticket information, call 798-7985.
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