Melodia Women’s Choir of NYC at Merkin Concert Hall, May 22, in "Songs From the Heart"

Melodia Women’s Choir of NYC presents an evening of music with a romantic flavor in “Songs from the Heart” at New York’s Merkin Concert Hall. Conducted by Artistic Director Cynthia Powell, the 32 accomplished singers in New York’s premiere women’s choir are known for their beautiful blended tone, expansive repertoire and artistic excellence.

This spring Melodia offers a special opportunity to hear hidden musical treasures from the 19th century and contemporary times. Artistic Director Powell says: “These quintessential romantic works are a feast for the ears.”

The concert is on Saturday May 22 at 8:30 pm at Merkin Concert Hall at Kaufman Center, Goodman House, 129 West 67th Street, NYC.

The centerpiece of the concert is a selection of part-songs by Robert Schumann, performed in celebration of his 200th birthday. Melodia will feature five songs drawn from two sets of Romances he composed for women’s choir in 1849 – “Op. 69, & 91.” A sixth song, “Spruch, Op. 114,” was composed in 1853 and is one of Schumann’s later works. Schumann’s luscious part-songs for women’s voices deserve to be included in the celebration of his work this year, noted Melodia’s Executive Director Jennifer Clarke.

The concert continues with four miniatures by Johannes Brahms: “Vier Lieder aus dem Jungbrunen” (“Four Songs from the Fountain of Youth”), which evoke the sweet joy and tears of young love.

The concert will also feature the New York premiere of three songs by Azerbaijani composer Tofig Gulijev: “Arzular” (“Dreams”), “Oglum” (“My Son”), and “Axsham Mahnisi” (“Twilight Song”.) Azeri soprano Naila Aziz, special guest soloist, blends Middle Eastern vocal techniques with Western choral singing in these seldom-heard pieces.

Additional concert highlights include works by Fanny Hensel Mendelssohn (sister of the famed Felix) in “Three Heine Duets;” Rachmaninoff’s “The Angel” from “Six Choruses, Op. 14”; two songs by Scottish composer Hamish MacCunn, “On a Faded Violet,” and “O My Love, Leave Me Not!;” and Mendelssohn’s “Lied Mit Chor” (“The Elf Chorus”) from “Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Taisiya Pushkar will perform a brief piano interlude featuring works by Robert Schumann and Clara Schumann.

Melodia Women’s Choir, recognized as a fresh voice in the choral arena, was chosen as a WNYC Star Participant in May 2010 and was one of eight choirs featured by “Time Out New York” in January. The choir has performed several world and New York premieres and has commissioned works by award-winning composer Christina Whitten Thomas, Chris Lastovicka, Allison Sniffin (Music Director, Meredith Monk Vocal Ensemble) and Becca Schack. “Melodia sings with radiance and beauty,” said Meredith Monk.

The mission of Melodia Women’s Choir is to create, explore and perform rarely heard women’s choral music and to promote opportunities for women composers and musicians. Melodia was founded in 2003 by Jennifer Clarke, an arts management consultant.

Cynthia Powell, Melodia’s Artistic Director and conductor since its inception, is an active conductor, pianist and organist in the New York area. Powell conducted a new choral version of Meredith Monk’s Book of Days at Merkin Hall in 2007 and serves as Music Director at West End Collegiate Church, NYC, and is Artistic Director of the Stonewall Chorale.

CONCERT DETAILS
Melodia Women’s Choir
“Songs from the Heart”
Saturday, May 22, 2010 at 8:30 pm
Merkin Concert Hall, Kaufman Center, Goodman House
129 West 67th Street, New York City
Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door
Students/seniors $15 in advance (with ID)
Visit www.melodiawomenschoir.org or call Brown Paper Tickets: 800-838-3006
Other Information: 212-252-4134

Contact Information

Jennifer Clarke

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Melodia Women’s Choir of NYC

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