Music Department

Presented by members of the music department faculty: Gail Archer, organ, James Ruff, tenor and early Gaelic wire harp, Anna Polonsky, piano, Brian Mann, piano, Sophie Shao, cello, and Richard Wilson, piano.

Filmmaker and writer August Ventura will present scenes from his documentary film-in-progress "27", about the enduring legacy of Giuseppe Verdi whose twenty-seven operas are venerated in surprising ways, both heartfelt and hilarious, by the citizens of Parma, Italy, an opera town like no other!

Co-sponsored by the Italian Department.

Robert Osborne, bass-baritone, and Richard Gordon, piano.

Heralded by the New York Times as “one of jazz’s breezier virtuosos, possessed of an unflappable technical facility and seemingly boundless curiosity,” Julian Lage performs selections from his latest album, Arclight, joined by trio members Scott Colley, double bass, and Kenny Wollesen, drums.

A Dickinson-Kayden Event

Schubert Sonatas in G Major, D. 894, and in B-flat Major, D. 960.

James Ruff, tenor and early Gaelic wire-harp.

‘S ged a thigeadh iad uile, bu leat urram nan Gàidheal’ 
          ‘and even if they all gathered, yours was the Gaels’ honour’ 
                                        – Elegy for Mac Gille Chaluim of Raasay, 1671

Tenor, James Ruff, turns his love and long experience of early music in the direction of the Highlands and Islands: transcribing and arranging early courtly music from Irish and Scottish manuscripts and from Oral Tradition, and presenting an evening of rarely heard gems – centuries-old love songs and formal laments sung in both Scottish Gaelic and Irish, while accompanying himself on the high art-music instrument of the Gael: the wire-strung Clarsach.  Played for a thousand years until its dénouement around 1800, this instrument, technique and repertoire have been brought back to life only in recent decades. You’ll relish the bell-like tones of the Clarsach, bringing to life the music of Turlough O’Carolan and other harper composers, and enjoy its historic kinship with the evocative Pibroch of the Highland Pipes. A magical evening you won’t forget!

The 17^th century string ensemble showcases rarely performed repertoire composed during and after Europe’s Thirty Years War, as it relates to the cultivation of 17^th century German style.

Eduardo Navega, conductor. Dvořák Slavonic Dance, Op. 46 No. 4, and Mendelssohn Symphony No. 5, “Reformation.”

Under the leadership of founding Artistic Director Joshua Copeland, the ensemble presents a diverse program of the world’s greatest choral literature, both sacred and secular, with a core group of ten to twelve of the New York Metropolitan area’s finest singers.

Featuring La Chanson d’Éve by Gabriel Fauré and Das Buch der Hängenden Gärten by Arnold Schoenberg.

Joseph Haydn's Missa Brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo (Little Organ Mass), and Jocelyn Hagen’s How to Survive Winter with string ensemble. Christine Howlett, conductor.

The highly acclaimed ensemble is known for its profound musical insight and rare tonal beauty. The quartet’s Vassar debut features Mozart’s Quartet in B-flat Major, K.589, Bartok’s Quartet No. 2, Op. 17, and Dvořák’s Piano Quintet with faculty member Todd Crow.

Joseph Haydn’s Missa in Angustiis (Lord Nelson Mass) with professional orchestra.  Christine Howlett, conductor.

Music of Barber, Gould, Bennett, Giroux, and Bösendorfer. James Osborn, conductor.

The music of Rossini, Mozart, Bach, Wilson, and Brahms, with soloist Richard Wilson, piano, and narration. Eduardo Navega, conductor.

Drew Minter, conductor. "Tender Mercies." Music of Byrd, Allegri, Purcell, Poulenc, Thompson, Distler, Mealor, Gjeilo, and others. 

James Osborn, director.

Featuring students of the Vassar College Chamber Music Program. Eduardo Navega, director.

Christine Howlett and Drew Minter, conductors. Vassar College Choir, Madrigal Singers, and Women’s Chorus, and Cappella Festiva Chamber and Treble Choir. This annual Christmas service includes readings, choral anthems, a commissioned work by James Fitzwilliam, and congregational carols that culminates in a candle lighting ceremony.

Chapel

Madrigals of the past 15 years reunite with the present group to present a traditional Advent Lessons and Carols service.  All are welcome. Drew Minter, director.

*Please note this event takes place off the Vassar Campus at Christ Church, Poughkeepsie.  

An evening to honor Professor Richard Wilson's 50+ years of dedication to Vassar College.

Richard Wilson’s Charades (Premiere): Todd Crow, piano;
Richard Wilson’s String Quartet No. 4: The Attacca Quartet;
Ludwig van Beethoven’s String Quartet in C Major, Op. 59, No. 3: The Attacca Quartet

Moran Katz, clarinet
Mary Nessinger, mezzo-soprano
Robert Osborne, baritone
Tom Sauer, piano
Sophie Shao, cello
Vassar College Choir
Richard Wilson, piano

Please join for a post-performance reception in the Bridge for Laboratory Sciences building.

RSVP appreciated 845.437.7294 or concerts@vassar.edu