The Maine Music Society Chorale, under the direction of Artistic Director Richard Nickerson, will present “A Breath of Mozart” at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 17, at the Franco Center in Lewiston.

The classical concert will feature two works accompanied by a chamber orchestra. The performance begins with Mozart’s Coronation Mass, K.317 which was composed in 1779 when he was 23. It was often used for celebrations in the Court of Vienna making it the perfect  piece to recognize our Golden Jubilee season. The lively and energetic rhythms are engaging and often have a sprightly, dance-like quality. The Coronation Mass will highlight the talent of MMS soloists throughout.

During the second half, you will be transported to a dream-like realm by the romantic strains and lyrics of “For A Breath of Ecstasy,” a new work by modern composer Michael John Trotta. This seven-movement setting of Sara Teasdale’s love poetry was commissioned to celebrate the centennial of her winning the first Pulitzer Prize in Poetry in 1918 for her collection titled “Love Songs.” Teasdale was an American lyric poet who published seven volumes before her death at the age of 48. A string quartet and oboe provide a haunting, melodic accompaniment to Teasdale’s beautiful, poignant poetry. Trotta, is a current American musical conductor and composer who has appeared at Carnegie Hall three times since 2014. The MMS Chorale has performed his music several times.

The Maine Music Society Chorale is an auditioned, mixed-voice community chorus based in Lewiston-Auburn. Led by Maine Music Society Artistic Director Dr. Richard Nickerson, the 75+ voice chorale has distinguished itself with an ever-evolving level of excellence and professionalism. Founded as the Androscoggin Chorale in 1972, the group’s diverse repertoire reflects its desire to advance the cultural heritage of Central Maine, to explore a broad range of musical genres — contemporary, musical theatre, classical, opera, oratorio — and to provide its members with opportunities to experience their love of singing.

Tickets are available online at mainemusicsociety.org or by calling our business office at 207-333-3386. MMS encourages purchasing tickets early. Tickets prices including all handling fees are $27/Adult; $25/Senior; $15/Student. Children under 12 are free when accompanied by an adult. Group rates available for 10 or more tickets to the same performance purchased at the same time. 

Copy the Story Link

« Previous

Paintings by local artists on display in hospital gallery

Next »

Chicks With Sticks to warm things up at Black Mountain of Maine