Compiled by Jessica Carreras
This month, classical music lovers are invited to celebrate an era of extraordinary music when the Orchestra Canton presents "Blissful Baroque" on Jan. 19 at the Village Theatre of Canton.
The night will begin with the orchestra performing several works by 18th century composer George Fredrick Handel. First will be "Harmonious Blacksmith," the final movement of his Suite no. 5 in E major. It's said to have received the "blacksmith" name almost a century after Handel wrote it, although the origins of the name are unclear.
Next, they will perform the piece "Largo" from Handel's opera "Xerxes," "Water Music Suite No. 2 in D" and the "Hallelujah Chorus," which was originally written for choir performances but has been adapted for the orchestra.
Harpist Maurice Draughn of Orchestra Canton will also be performing Handel's Harp Concerto solo.
Continuing with the theme of the night, longtime Michigan musician and guest composer for the night Mary Watkins will be performing her own work for the audience. Her piece, "Soul of Remembrance," is the second movement in her "Five Movements in Color" piece, which was inspired by Handel's "Largo." The piece, which is described as a modern-day spiritual, is about both loss and also the hope that one clings to after a loss.
The night will close with a rare performance of the cantata "Jonas" by 18th century composer Elizabeth Jacquet de la Guerre, who wrote and performed her music for the French King Louis XV as his court composer. Nadine Balbeisi, who recently graduated from the University of Michigan with a masters degree specializing in Baroque music, will be joining the orchestra for the performance.
"Blissful Baroque" will be presented as part of the week's celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Blissful Baroque
8 p.m. Jan. 19
Village Theatre of Canton
734-394-5460
http://www.plymouthsymphony.org
