PORTSMOUTH – “The Majesty of the English Baroque” concert performances by Portsmouth Pro Musica will bring the regal, brilliant glory of the English Baroque period to the Seacoast. The April concerts feature two of George Frideric Handel’s “Coronation Anthems” composed in 1727 for the coronation of King George II and his consort Queen Caroline at Westminster Abbey. The chorus, in its third season as a mixed voices group has received generous support and acclaim for bringing classical choral works and orchestral accompaniment to the seacoast. Support for the orchestral accompaniment is provided by the Barbara K. & Cyrus B. Sweet III Fund and the Winebaum Fund (Advised,) both of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation – Piscataqua Region These rich and diverse choral works, with 13 piece chamber orchestra of seacoast musicians, will be performed Saturday, April 12th at 8 pm at Phillips Church Exeter and Sunday, April 13th at 3 pm at the Rye Congregational Church.
New group makes public debut
PPM will introduce “The Overtones,” a new octet within PPM, formed last fall to perform vocal chamber music, both lighter and classic, at fundraisers and at concerts. The Overtones will perform the English madrigal, "My Bonny Lass," and the Kings Singers' favorite, "You Are the New Day.”
Youth Chorale expands repertoire
The PPM Youth Chorale, will perform excerpts Henry Purcell’s “Dido and Aeneas,” considered the first English opera and composed in 1689 for an English girls' boarding school. Several members will sing short solo roles. PPM Youth Chorale will also feature selections such as “Michael, Row that Gospel Boat," "Together Wherever We Go," (from Gypsy) and "Yo Vivo Contando" which translates, “We Live to Sing.”
Advance concert tickets available from chorus members and at retail outlets are $10 general admission, and discounted to $8 for all students/seniors. Tickets may be purchased at Water Street Books, Exeter; The Flower Kiosk in Portsmouth; The Red Ginger, South Street, Portsmouth; and Philbrick’s Fresh Market in Portsmouth. Tickets are always available at the door: general admission, $12, students/seniors, $10. For more information call 603-969-1564 or online at http://www.PortsmouthProMusica.org.