Long Play Festival
Bang on a Can
Trinity Choir

For her work Anthracite Fields – a Pulitzer Prize-winning oratorio for chorus and the Bang on a Can All-Stars – composer Julia Wolfe, a 2016 MacArthur Fellow, drew on oral histories, interviews, speeches, geographic descriptions, children’s rhymes, and coal advertisements to create a work that gives an intimate look at a particular slice of American life.

Cited by the Pulitzer committee as “a powerful oratorio for chorus and sextet evoking Pennsylvania coal-mining life around the turn of the 20th Century,” the work premiered at the Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia in April 2014 followed by a performance at the NY PHIL BIENNIAL in May 2014. It was met with rave reviews. The New York Times wrote, “In Ms. Wolfe’s polished and stylistically assured cantata, the overall coherence of the musical material helped her expressions of outrage to burn cleanly and brightly.” The Philadelphia Inquirer praised the piece for creating “an alternate universe.”

“My aim with Anthracite Fields is to honor the people who persevered and endured in the Pennsylvania Anthracite coal region during a time when the industry fueled the nation, and to reveal a bit about who we are as American workers.”

Named after the technical term for the purest form of coal, anthracite, Anthracite Fields was written after Wolfe did extensive research about the coal mining industry in an area very near where she grew up in Pennsylvania. She writes, “In some ways the piece is a return to my small town Pennsylvania roots. In looking north – the left turn onto route 309, the road-rarely-taken – I delved into a local history.”

Fourth Wall Ensemble
Christopher Allen, conductor
Jeff Beal, composer

Fourth Wall will present the East Coast premiere of The Beatitudes, composed by EMMY Award-winning composer Jeff Beal (House of Cards, Rome, Monk). Inspired by the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount, this new work showcases the power of the human voice.

Spire Chamber Ensemble
Ben A. Spalding, conductor

Celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary with a powerful musical journey through American history. The American Songbook weaves together the rich tapestry of our musical heritage, from humble Shaker melodies to bold contemporary works. Experience masterpieces by America's greatest composers, including Copland's stirring Americana, Bernstein's theatrical brilliance, Gershwin's jazz-infused genius, and Barber's profound lyricism. The program also spotlights today's visionary voices, featuring works by acclaimed composers Morten Lauridsen, Adolphus Hailstork, Rosephanye Powell, Reena Esmail, and more. Come hear the music that shaped 250 years of American spirit through song.

Trinity Choir
Melissa Attebury, conductor

Audiences will revel in the full glory of Easter season as Trinity Choir and Trinity Baroque Orchestra pick up where they left off at Christmastime, presenting Parts II and III of George Frideric Handel’s beloved and timeless work — including the much-celebrated “Hallelujah” chorus. Hailed by The New York Times as “the gold standard” by which all Messiah performances are measured, Trinity’s historic version has thrilled audiences since 1770. Led by Director of Music Melissa Attebury.

Trinity Choir
Melissa Attebury, conductor

Audiences will revel in the full glory of Easter season as Trinity Choir and Trinity Baroque Orchestra pick up where they left off at Christmastime, presenting Parts II and III of George Frideric Handel’s beloved and timeless work — including the much-celebrated “Hallelujah” chorus. Hailed by The New York Times as “the gold standard” by which all Messiah performances are measured, Trinity’s historic version has thrilled audiences since 1770. Led by Director of Music Melissa Attebury.

Trinity Choir
Melissa Attebury, conductor

If you can’t make it to our full evening presentation of the timeless masterpiece by Bach’s contemporary, George Frideric Handel, join us for the streamlined lunch-hour edition! Trinity Choir and Trinity Baroque Orchestra will present selections from Parts II and III of Messiah. Come enjoy this free offering of the cherished tradition. Led by Director of Music Melissa Attebury.

Harry Bicket, artistic director and conductor
William Guanbo Su, Hercules
Ann Hallenberg, Dejanira
Hilary Cronin, Iole
Alexander Chance, Lichas
David Portillo, Hyllus

featuring
The Clarion Choir
Steven Fox, director

Fresh from battle, Hercules returns home victorious, but Dejanira is consumed by a jealousy that sets off a tragic chain of events. With Handel’s soaring arias, inventive chromaticism, and powerful choruses, this opera reminds us that mistrust can bring even the mightiest to their knees. Thomas Broughton’s libretto draws from Ovid and Sophocles, with the chorus commenting on events as they unfold like a Greek tragedy. Harry Bicket and The English Concert tour the US, in collaboration once again with the scintillating Clarion Choir directed by Steven Fox.

Harry Bicket, artistic director and conductor
William Guanbo Su, Hercules
Ann Hallenberg, Dejanira
Hilary Cronin, Iole
Alexander Chance, Lichas
David Portillo, Hyllus

featuring
The Clarion Choir
Steven Fox, director

Fresh from battle, Hercules returns home victorious, but Dejanira is consumed by a jealousy that sets off a tragic chain of events. With Handel’s soaring arias, inventive chromaticism, and powerful choruses, this opera reminds us that mistrust can bring even the mightiest to their knees. Thomas Broughton’s libretto draws from Ovid and Sophocles, with the chorus commenting on events as they unfold like a Greek tragedy. Harry Bicket and The English Concert tour the US, in collaboration once again with the scintillating Clarion Choir directed by Steven Fox.

Harry Bicket, artistic director and conductor
William Guanbo Su, Hercules
Ann Hallenberg, Dejanira
Hilary Cronin, Iole
Alexander Chance, Lichas
David Portillo, Hyllus

featuring
The Clarion Choir
Steven Fox, director

Fresh from battle, Hercules returns home victorious, but Dejanira is consumed by a jealousy that sets off a tragic chain of events. With Handel’s soaring arias, inventive chromaticism, and powerful choruses, this opera reminds us that mistrust can bring even the mightiest to their knees. Thomas Broughton’s libretto draws from Ovid and Sophocles, with the chorus commenting on events as they unfold like a Greek tragedy. Harry Bicket and The English Concert tour the US, in collaboration once again with the scintillating Clarion Choir directed by Steven Fox.

Trinity Choir
Downtown Voices

Stephen Sands, conductor

On March 11, Downtown Voices and NOVUS will perform Johannes Brahms’s Ein deutsches Requiem – a setting of biblical texts that is considered one of the most profound choral masterworks ever composed and a timeless meditation on grief, hope, and transcendence.

Harry Bicket, artistic director and conductor
William Guanbo Su, Hercules
Ann Hallenberg, Dejanira
Hilary Cronin, Iole
Alexander Chance, Lichas
David Portillo, Hyllus

featuring
The Clarion Choir
Steven Fox, director

Fresh from battle, Hercules returns home victorious, but Dejanira is consumed by a jealousy that sets off a tragic chain of events. With Handel’s soaring arias, inventive chromaticism, and powerful choruses, this opera reminds us that mistrust can bring even the mightiest to their knees. Thomas Broughton’s libretto draws from Ovid and Sophocles, with the chorus commenting on events as they unfold like a Greek tragedy. Harry Bicket and The English Concert tour the US, in collaboration once again with the scintillating Clarion Choir directed by Steven Fox.

Harry Bicket, artistic director and conductor
William Guanbo Su, Hercules
Ann Hallenberg, Dejanira
Hilary Cronin, Iole
Alexander Chance, Lichas
David Portillo, Hyllus

featuring
The Clarion Choir
Steven Fox, director

Fresh from battle, Hercules returns home victorious, but Dejanira is consumed by a jealousy that sets off a tragic chain of events. With Handel’s soaring arias, inventive chromaticism, and powerful choruses, this opera reminds us that mistrust can bring even the mightiest to their knees. Thomas Broughton’s libretto draws from Ovid and Sophocles, with the chorus commenting on events as they unfold like a Greek tragedy. Harry Bicket and The English Concert tour the US, in collaboration once again with the scintillating Clarion Choir directed by Steven Fox.

Music written for the Virgin Mary holds a special place in the Liturgy of the Roman Catholic Church. In this concert, La Grande Bande explores music written in honor of the Virgin from 16th- and 17th-century France. Featured prominently on this program are the beautiful voices of Alyssa Anderson, Kristina Boerger, Catherine Sandstedt, and Jenny Ubl, members of La Grande Bande’s core group of vocalists. La Grande Bande is also delighted to welcome Atlanta-based, historical harpist Paula Fagerberg in her debut performances with our ensemble. Join La Grande Bande, and its fabulous artists, as we perform instrumental, vocal, and chanted music that honors the Virgin Mary.

Music written for the Virgin Mary holds a special place in the Liturgy of the Roman Catholic Church. In this concert, La Grande Bande explores music written in honor of the Virgin from 16th- and 17th-century France. Featured prominently on this program are the beautiful voices of Alyssa Anderson, Kristina Boerger, Catherine Sandstedt, and Jenny Ubl, members of La Grande Bande’s core group of vocalists. La Grande Bande is also delighted to welcome Atlanta-based, historical harpist Paula Fagerberg in her debut performances with our ensemble. Join La Grande Bande, and its fabulous artists, as we perform instrumental, vocal, and chanted music that honors the Virgin Mary.

Trinity Choir
Avi Stein, organ
Melissa Attebury, conductor

Hear Trinity Church’s epic new organ with the Trinity Choir in a performance that celebrates the rich legacy of French music through the works of Louis Vierne and his preeminent pupils: Nadia and Lili Boulanger and Marcel Dupré. At one point conceived for full orchestra and choir, Vierne’s stunning and grandiose Messe solennelle captures the incredible versatility of the organ and features Trinity organists Avi Stein and Alex Leonardi. From the harmonic sophistication of Nadia Boulanger to the ethereal lyricism of Lili Boulanger and the virtuosic writing of Dupré, this performance explores the innovation and enduring power of the French musical tradition.

Downtown Voices
Trinity Choir
Trinity Youth Chorus

Stephen Sands, conductor

Expect a night of celebration, reflection, and joyful music-making when Downtown Voices brings back its alumni to mark this important anniversary. Joining forces with Trinity Youth Chorus and contemporary music ensemble NOVUS, past and present members will raise their voices in a program that features the first work the chorus ever performed: Benjamin Britten’s Saint Nicolas. This colorful cantata tells the story of the revered 4th century bishop upon whom the legend of Santa Claus is based.