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Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey to perform Beethoven, works for the harp and contemporary music in Madison

A Warm Winter Wassail

WHEN: Sunday, January 14, 3 p.m.
WHERE
: Grace Church at 4 Madison Avenue in Madison, NJ.
TICKETS: $40, adults; $30, senior; and $5 students, under 22 with ID.
Tickets can be obtained by visiting the Orchestra’s web site. www.baroqueorchestra.org , by calling the office, 973-366-8922, or at the door, the day of the performance.

CONCERT PROGRAM:

  • Ricordi di una vita (Memories of a Life), is a selection for string orchestra from the original soundtrack music Father Frisina composed for the television miniseries Puccini produced by RAI Fiction for the 150th anniversary of the birth of the great operatic composer Giacomo Puccini. Internationally renowned Italian composer Marco Frisina is one of the most beloved contemporary composers of his country and his music is already familiar to BONJ audiences. Primarily known for his sacred compositions and his work at the Vatican, Monsignor Frisina has also composed operas and film music.
  • Harp Concerto is by the Austrian composer Wagenseil (1715 to 1777). Wagenseil composed in the Baroque style early in his career before moving to Classical and this piece was composed and performed in 1761 during his Classical period. It has been performed by harp luminaries such as Jana Bouskova and Nicanor Zabaleta.
  • Morceau de Concert (opus 154) will also have Ms. Adams performing on the harp. This is a Romantic piece and is an opportunity to hear a well known composer (Saint-Saens) utilize the harp.
  • Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37, was composed by Ludwig van Beethoven in 1800 and was first performed on 5 April 1803, with the composer as soloist. The year for which the concerto was composed (1800) has however been questioned by contemporary musicologists. It was published in 1804. During that same performance, the Second Symphony and the oratorio Christ on the Mount of Olives were also premiered. The composition was dedicated to Prince Louis Ferdinand of Prussia. The first primary theme is reminiscent of that of Mozart's 24th Piano Concerto.

The concert features Merynda Adams as harp soloist performing the works by Wagenseil and Saint-Saens and Paul Zeigler as piano soloist performing Beethoven's 3rd piano concerto.

Image result for Merynda AdamsMerynda Adams has performed with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, New York Grand Opera, New Philharmonic, Lyrica Chamber Music, Northeastern Philharmonic, Colonial Symphony, Westfield Symphony, Lake Placid Symphonietta and off Broadway in "The Fantasticks".

Described by the Star Ledger as having "played the harp with color and great facility", Ms. Adams is a 1994 winner of the Artists International Competition and the Goldblatt Award.She frequently collaborates with violinist, Christopher Collins Lee. Their CD, "Romantic Duos" was released in 2011. She has also accompanied renowned soprano, Aprile Millo in recitals in New York, Delaware and Toronto. Her newly established recital series, "Chamber Music for Charity" presents works for harp and various instruments to benefit area charities..

Image result for Paul ZeiglerPaul Zeigler's multifaceted career as a pianist, composer, teacher, lecturer and adjudicator has taken him on performances throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. But no matter where he has performed, the critics have been unanimous: "absolutely thrilling, emotionally exciting, mind-expanding... a virtuoso performer."

Mr. Zeigler's triumphant debut as soloist in Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 1 with the New Jersey Baroque Orchestra, Robert W. Butts, conductor, led to highly acclaimed performances of all five Beethoven Concerti with that group. In 2000 Paul received critical praise for his monumental series of Beethoven sonata performances. Paul also has 5 CD recordings.

When not performing and composing, Paul teaches music privately at his studio in Madison, New Jersey. He takes great pride in the fact that many of his students have gone on to win awards and acclaim in their own right.

The Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey was founded in 1996 with music of the 17th and 18th century at its core. The group performs a variety of genres from concertos to symphonies to operas. Under the auspices of its Pearl and Julius Young Music Competition, the organization has nurtured the talent of many promising young musicians. Under the auspices of its Artistic Director Maestro Butts, the orchestra’s repertoire has expanded to include 20th century and modern pieces by the likes of Joaquin Rodrigo and others.