The opening concert of the 2020-21 season, Bells Are Ringing, celebrated the church’s new bell tower while expressing gratitude to supporters of the St. Louis Bell Tower campaign. It also marked another milestone moment, as Colleen Daly Eberhardt appeared in her first concert as the Concert Series artistic director, sharing the stage with composer and pianist Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal.
Read MoreTwo separately donated pianos—a Yamaha model G3 and Kawai KG2—took center stage during the spring 2019 concert Art for the Young at Heart, an interdisciplinary celebration of music, dance, and art.
Read MoreIn the beginning, there was the Rodgers organ. Acquired for the new church, pastor Monsignor Luca and parishioner Jay Dausch sought ways to showcase both the instrument and the church’s remarkable acoustics beyond liturgical services. They also hoped to share these gifts with a wider audience. The solution? Present a concert!
Read MoreThe Concert Series has enjoyed a long-standing connection with the music of Aaron Copland, beginning with our 2007 spring concert, when the Concert Artists of Baltimore performed selections from “Old American Songs” and “Appalachian Spring. “ Since then, Copland’s music has been a familiar presence in our programs—from “Simple Gifts” to “The Promise of Living.”
We continue that tradition at our 20th anniversary celebration on May 17 with “Fanfare for the Common Man” and a return performance of “The Promise of Living.” With a program built around a patriotic theme in honor of America’s 250th birthday, Copland’s music feels especially fitting.
Read MoreDid you know? Some of the most beloved Christmas songs and works weren’t originally written for Christmas! Learn the surprising stories behind “Sleigh Ride,” “Messiah,” and “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?”
Read MoreThe trio sonata is a form of chamber music that flourished during the Baroque era, which stretched from about 1600 to 1750. Here’s a breakdown of the genre and some of the composers who contributed to the development of the genre.
Read MoreDaniel Purcell (c. 1664 – 26 November 1717) was an English Baroque composer and harpsichordist, whose accomplishments are generally overshadowed by those of his older brother (or perhaps, cousin), Henry Purcell. Nonetheless, Daniel was a talented and important composer in his own right, making notable contributions to the music of his time, particularly in theater and sacred compositions.
Read MoreThe “seven last words” are, more precisely, seven distinct statements spoken by Christ during the crucifixion. Beginning with “Father, Forgive Them,” and ending with “It is Finished,” the statements, drawn from different Gospel accounts, are combined into a single narrative.
Read MoreThough Dubois aspired to establish his composing career in opera, those ambitions never came to fruition. Learn more about this little-known late 19th century French composer, who ultimately became most associated as a writer of sacred music.
Read MoreLearn why Mendelssohn’s work about the Old Testament prophet, a beloved staple of the English-language choral repertoire, is considered a testament to the enduring power of faith and resilience.
Read MoreBorn on March 13, 1957 in New Orleans, Louisiana, Moses Hogan—composer, arranger, pianist, and choral conductor—is most celebrated for his stirring settings of African American spirituals and for championing this rich musical tradition.
Read MoreThere’s something special about a Cole Porter song, filled with clever rhymes, memorable lyrics, and sophisticated melodies. Learn more about the life of one of America’s most beloved mid-20th century songwriters and why he was the top.
Read MoreAsriel Davis has been attracted to the organ and sacred music since childhood. In this brief interview, Asriel reveals the inspirations behind his musical journey and shares his thoughts on improvisation and collaborating with Isaiah Shim, among other perspectives.
Read MoreFor the last few seasons, pianist Isaiah Shim has wowed Concert Series audiences with his artistic technique, prowess, and improvisational skills. Learn who and what has inspired Isaiah’s artistry and why improvisation is one of his biggest passions.
Read MoreTwo hundred years (and five months) have passed since Beethoven left his mark on music with the premiere of the Ninth Symphony and its visionary message, expressed in the famous “Ode to Joy” choral finale.
Read MoreBorn on October 9, 1835, the French composer is known for a handful of popular works, among them “Carnival of the Animals,” but there’s a great deal more to this gifted man, both as a musician and across an array of disciplines.
Read MoreOver the course of his decade-plus tenure as Director of Bands at Centennial High School (CHS), David Matchim has nurtured and inspired students, helping to lay the foundation for their future success. The jazz band, performing at our September 22nd Concert on the Commons, has consistently stood out at prestigious competitions around the country. In this interview, Mr. Matchim talks about CHS’s band program, the rewards and challenges of his position, and promoting and strengthening the connection between the Howard County Public School System’s music program and the community through the partnership with the Concert Series.
Read MoreSeptember is classical music month, a perfect time to launch our partnership with Howard County Public School System’s (HCPSS) music programs! First up is the Centennial High School (CHS) Jazz Band, whose members, under the direction of David Matchim, will perform at “Concert on the Commons” on Sunday, September 22nd at 4 p.m.
Read MoreWhen Gabriel Fauré sat down to compose his “Requiem, Op. 48” in the late 1880s, he chose a gentle path, explaining why the work has earned the description “lullaby of death.” Over a span of nearly 25 years, Fauré augmented and revised his work, adding two movements and expanding the orchestration. Our August 25 “Feast of St. Louis Oratory” features Pie Jesu, a simple melody written for solo soprano to accompany the text—a prayer that Jesus grant everlasting rest to the deceased.
Read MoreThe music of Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) plays an integral part of the “Feast of St. Louis Oratory,” represented by his “En Priere,” “Pie Jesu” from Requiem, and “Ave Maria.” We’ve compiled a few facts about this French composer, widely regarded as the greatest master of French song (mélodie). Fauré’s legacy also can be found in his contributions to a movement that aimed to establish a characteristically French style of composition.
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