Our winter concert is a party celebrating French composers in the twentieth century. At “French Fête,” the audience will be transported to France through dramatic yet impressionistic choral works by Jean Langlais, Lili Boulanger, Reynaldo Hahn, Marcel Dupré, and Claude Debussy. Dr. Raymond Nagem, Associate Organist at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, will accompany the choir from the console of the Wicks organ at St. Jean Baptiste. Stevie Ryan will play solo piano works by Ravel and Debussy.
The Dessoff Choirs Chamber Chorus present Bach’s Jesu Meine Freude, BWV 227, Buxtehude’s Herzlich, lieb hab ich dic o Herr. The choir will be accompanied by a chamber ensemble of instruments. Merriweather will perform Samuel Barber’s Dover Beach with string quartet.
The Dessoff Choirs Chamber Chorus
Malcolm J. Merriweather, baritone and conductor
The Chamber Choir of the United Nations International School (UNIS) join the Dessoff Choirs in concert. UNIS will present their own set of music and The Dessoff Choirs will sing choral music from China, Haiti, and the Middle East. The featured piece on the program will be Lembit Beecher’s The New Amorous World
Daniel Stroup, Director of UNIS Chamber Choir
Malcolm J. Merriweather, conductor
Malcolm will lead “Voices of Haiti” in traditional Haitian folksongs and other music for treble choir. Along with Wenson Delice and Johanne Francois, Malcolm will offer solo selections by Rossini and Handel. The concert will feature Andrea Bocelli, Matteo Bocelli, and Carlo Bernini.
In an appearance with Andrea Bocelli, Malcolm directs “Voices of Haiti” for the opening of the Zefferilli Foundation.