Love, Dance and Sing!

Voice and Piano

Join us for a festive opening concert devoted to love songs of Brahms for a choir of vocal soloists and piano.

​​​​Brahms: Liebesliederwalzer op. 52  
Brahms: Neue Liebesliederwalzer op. 65 
Brahms: Zigeunerlieder op. 103

Emily Yokum Black, soprano
Laura Atkinson, mezzo
Blake Beckemeyer, tenor
Jason Steigerwald, bass

Andreas Ioannides, piano
Seungkyu Oh, piano

José Maurício Nunes Garcia: The Sound of Brazil's Classical Legacy

(Bloomington, IN) Born in Rio de Janiero, the descendant of enslaved Black grandmothers on both sides of his family, José Maurício Nunes Garcia (1767-1830) earned lasting renown as a celebrated composer, conductor, teacher, Catholic priest, and Chapelmaster of the Rio de Janeiro Cathedral. Known today as one of the greatest exponents of Classicism in the Americas both for his own compositional output and for introducing new musical styles to his home country—including his conducting the first performance of Mozart’s Requiem—Nunes Garcia left an indelible mark on Brazil’s musical landscape. Latin American Baroque specialists Tonos del Sur, one of Bloomington’s most beloved ensembles, present a wide-ranging showcase of music by this favored composer of the colonial kingdom of Portugal, starting with Nunes Garcia’s first known composition, Tota pulchra est Maria, and centering around the stunning Mass for Our Lady of Sorrows. 

Back by popular demand, a performance of Handel’s cherished oratorio returns to Lafayette once again. Celebrate Eastertide by hearing the greatest choral/orchestral masterpiece in history performed by the Lafayette Master Chorale, soloists and orchestra in the acoustically thrilling St. Boniface Church. From the lyrical solos to the rousing choruses, this performance promises a unique chance to hear this monumental work and all of its splendor.

Mozart: Requiem
Marianna Martines: Dixit Dominus

Mozart's Requiem is a profound emotional journey that ranges from angst, sheer terror, and sublime transcendence. Experience the region’s first ever period performance featuring basset horns, natural trumpets, sackbuts and more – breathing new life to this consummate masterpiece. Left unfinished at the composer's untimely death, the Requiem was completed by Franz Süssmayer, offering a poignant glimpse into Mozart's final musical thoughts. The Mozart is paired with a performance of Dixit Dominus, by 18th-Century composer Marianna Martines who was a student of Haydn and was one of Vienna’s most prominent composers. She received more acclaim than perhaps any other female composer of her time, yet her name isn’t mentioned enough today. Dixit Dominus is a prime example of her skill in combining the Baroque contrapuntal tradition with the emerging Classical style.

Mozart: Requiem
Marianna Martines: Dixit Dominus

Mozart's Requiem is a profound emotional journey that ranges from angst, sheer terror, and sublime transcendence. Experience the region’s first ever period performance featuring basset horns, natural trumpets, sackbuts and more – breathing new life to this consummate masterpiece. Left unfinished at the composer's untimely death, the Requiem was completed by Franz Süssmayer, offering a poignant glimpse into Mozart's final musical thoughts. The Mozart is paired with a performance of Dixit Dominus, by 18th-Century composer Marianna Martines who was a student of Haydn and was one of Vienna’s most prominent composers. She received more acclaim than perhaps any other female composer of her time, yet her name isn’t mentioned enough today. Dixit Dominus is a prime example of her skill in combining the Baroque contrapuntal tradition with the emerging Classical style.

Mozart: Requiem
Marianna Martines: Dixit Dominus

Mozart's Requiem is a profound emotional journey that ranges from angst, sheer terror, and sublime transcendence. Experience the region’s first ever period performance featuring basset horns, natural trumpets, sackbuts and more – breathing new life to this consummate masterpiece. Left unfinished at the composer's untimely death, the Requiem was completed by Franz Süssmayer, offering a poignant glimpse into Mozart's final musical thoughts. The Mozart is paired with a performance of Dixit Dominus, by 18th-Century composer Marianna Martines who was a student of Haydn and was one of Vienna’s most prominent composers. She received more acclaim than perhaps any other female composer of her time, yet her name isn’t mentioned enough today. Dixit Dominus is a prime example of her skill in combining the Baroque contrapuntal tradition with the emerging Classical style.

Arizona Philharmonic
Quartz Ensemble
Dr. Joshua Harper, conductor

Dr. Joshua Harper returns to Prescott to conduct Arizona Philharmonic and Quartz Ensemble in J. S. Bach’s St. John Passion, BWV 245, acclaimed for its vivid depiction of the Passion of Christ through dramatic narratives, reflective arias, and poignant chorales. Dr. Harper’s 2024 Arizona Philharmonic and Quartz Ensemble concert received two separate standing ovations and was hailed as “breathtaking” and “exceptional,” worthy of the “top cities and venues across the United States.” Come explore the profound emotional depth and musical intricacy of the St. John Passion through the elegance and clarity showcased by Arizona Philharmonic and Quartz Ensemble’s unique partnership

Beckemeyer joins Tonos del Sur for Latin American laments and dance music of colonizers and indigenous peoples.

The oratorio deals with the Last Judgment. Allegorical figures are the Göttliche Stimme (divine voice) and the vices of avarice, frivolity and arrogance. The godless, seeking lust for life, are juxtaposed to the godly, pursuing piety, humility and joy of life. They expect the judgement in deep despair or in joyful expectation.[3] The music combines inwardness (Innerlichkeit) with dramatic impact.[4] (Wikipedia)

The oratorio deals with the Last Judgment. Allegorical figures are the Göttliche Stimme (divine voice) and the vices of avarice, frivolity and arrogance. The godless, seeking lust for life, are juxtaposed to the godly, pursuing piety, humility and joy of life. They expect the judgement in deep despair or in joyful expectation.[3] The music combines inwardness (Innerlichkeit) with dramatic impact.[4] (Wikipedia)

Sound the trumpet! Jeannette Sorrell and the acclaimed Apollo’s Singers are nationally acclaimed for their dramatic interpretation of Messiah. The soloists become musical storytellers, bringing spirituality and drama to Handel’s richly layered masterpiece.
 
Duration: 2 hrs 15 min. including intermission

Sound the trumpet! Jeannette Sorrell and the acclaimed Apollo’s Singers are nationally acclaimed for their dramatic interpretation of Messiah. The soloists become musical storytellers, bringing spirituality and drama to Handel’s richly layered masterpiece.
 
Duration: 2 hrs 15 min. including intermission

Sound the trumpet! Jeannette Sorrell and the acclaimed Apollo’s Singers are nationally acclaimed for their dramatic interpretation of Messiah. The soloists become musical storytellers, bringing spirituality and drama to Handel’s richly layered masterpiece.
 
Duration: 2 hrs 15 min. including intermission

Sound the trumpet! Jeannette Sorrell and the acclaimed Apollo’s Singers are nationally acclaimed for their dramatic interpretation of Messiah. The soloists become musical storytellers, bringing spirituality and drama to Handel’s richly layered masterpiece.
 
Duration: 2 hrs 15 min. including intermission

Sound the trumpet! Jeannette Sorrell and the acclaimed Apollo’s Singers are nationally acclaimed for their dramatic interpretation of Messiah. The soloists become musical storytellers, bringing spirituality and drama to Handel’s richly layered masterpiece.
 
Duration: 2 hrs 15 min. including intermission

Sound the trumpet! Jeannette Sorrell and the acclaimed Apollo’s Singers are nationally acclaimed for their dramatic interpretation of Messiah. The soloists become musical storytellers, bringing spirituality and drama to Handel’s richly layered masterpiece.
 
Duration: 2 hrs 15 min. including intermission

Beckemeyer is a guest artist at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of music for a reprisal as the solo tenor for Luis Advis (1935-2004) Santa María de Iquique (1969).

All of J. S. Bach’s cantatas are special, but the two featured here are proven standouts. Not only do the two chorale cantatas on this program have familiar melodies (most notably the famous fourth movement of the cantata “Wachet auf,” found on all the greatest classical hits playlists), their colorful depictions of the text render audiences speechless on account of their varied textures and emotions. The soloists are partners in three love duets depicting Christ and the Soul. The cantata “Nun danket alle Gott” resonates for the time of year we observe and celebrate Thanksgiving, providing a rich feast for the ears and bountiful imagery of gratitude for our souls. 

Between these two spectacular cantatas is the sumptuous Orchestral Suite No. 1 in C. It has it all: glorious, sweeping melodies, vigorous counterpoint, and the impulse to make you dance and sway in your seat. Led by the IBO’s world class concertmaster, Adriane Post, there is much to savor in this music and sample a plentiful harvest of Bach’s glorious music. 

Beckemeyer returns to the Bloomington Bach Cantata Project in October for their second presentation of the season, BWV 33. Mary Cicconetti directs.

Beckemeyer returns to Bloomington for his first performance of the 24/25 Bloomington Bach Cantata Project season as Tugend in the cantata known as “Hercules at the Crossroads.”

Eric Meincke directs.

Ihr werdet weinen und heulen, BWV 103

Jinsun Cho, organist

Sylvia Leith, alto | Blake Beckemeyer, tenor | Ross Tamaccio, bass

Robert Beizer, underwriter of the Noontime organ preludes
Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, underwriters

The Noontime Cantata Series is supported by generous gifts from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts

Ihr werdet weinen und heulen, BWV 103

Jinsun Cho, organist

Sylvia Leith, alto | Blake Beckemeyer, tenor | Ross Tamaccio, bass

Robert Beizer, underwriter of the Noontime organ preludes
Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, underwriters

The Noontime Cantata Series is supported by generous gifts from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts

Beckemeyer reprises his well-loved and dramatic interpretation of the Passion in Lafayette, IN with the Lafayette Master Chorale.

“John—as the Evangelist—has to experience the Passion in real time. Jesus, as the rabblerouser he is, was probably questioned by the police countless times during His time on Earth. The moment turns when Jesus is taken before Pilate and the Passion is like watching a car crash in slow motion for John and the rest of the 12. Bad becomes worse becomes tragedy and what starts out like any other Jewish holiday night turns into the greatest story ever told.”

-Blake Beckemeyer

Blake Beckemeyer, Sorcer(er/ess)

Bruce Neswick, conductor

The Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra and Christ Church Cathedral are thrilled to partner once again to present Dido & Aeneas by Henry Purcell (1659-1695). First performed at  London’s Josias Priest's girls' school in 1688, Dido & Aeneas is Purcells only true opera and his greatest work written for the stage. In a prologue and three acts, Purcell tells the story of Dido’s love for Aeneas, and the tragedy that ensues because of the Trojan Wars. Purcell’s telling of this story from Virgil's Aeneid is considered to be one of the great operas of the baroque period, and one of Purcell’s masterpieces. In a first for both the orchestra and the cathedral choir, this opera will be staged with costumes and sets, and performed in historic Christ Church Cathedral.  Purchase your tickets now to hear this unique collaboration to bring this gripping story to life!