Reflections of Life: Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY)
Reflections of Life: Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY)
Reflections of Life: Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY)
Reflections of Life
DISTINGUISHED CONCERTS ORCHESTRA INTERNATIONAL
DISTINGUISHED CONCERTS SINGERS INTERNATIONAL
JAMES EAKIN III Flowers Over the Graves of War (World Premiere) (47:00)
I. Introit
II. Kyrie
III. Sanctus
IV. Benedictus
V. Agnus Dei
VI. Credo Coda
Intermission
PLEASE SWITCH OFF YOUR CELL PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES.
NOTES ON THE Program
FLOWERS OVER THE This composition is one of contrast:
GRAVES OF WAR good versus evil, light versus darkness,
by James Eakin III love versus hate, innocence versus
death of faith. The unwavering love
Flowers Over the Graves of War: A and faith of a child is expressed in the
Requiem was commissioned by the simple, child-like melodies sung by the
Turtle Creek Chorale in 2005. Mixed sopranos and altos. The tenors and
chorus, three soloists (soprano, basses, with their angular phrases
mezzo-soprano, and tenor), and foiled by lyrical phrases, represent the
orchestra make up this work’s instru- loss of innocence and the struggle for
mentation. It is in six movements that redemption. The soloists offer a more
parallel the structure of the Requiem introspective view of the human con-
Mass with one modification, the addi- dition with music full of anger, fear,
tion of a Credo instead of the Com- hope, and compassion.
munion (Lux Aeterna). Because this
work is a call for peace in a time of Finally, this is a work of unconditional
war, I felt it necessary to end with a love. Just as parents love their children
statement of belief in God and human- in times of disappointment, so too
ity. Michael Dennis Browne beauti- does God, in my opinion, love His
fully crafted his words for optimum children even in their darkest times.
poignancy, punctuating his thoughts “Hold the world however it shakes,
with the Latin text of the respective however it struggles to break
requiem movements. The literary away...Hosanna in excelsis!” May
structure of Browne’s poems dictated God hold us, show mercy unto us, and
the musical form allowing for a series guide us to peace so that generations
of vignettes within each movement. to come will only know of war from
Commentary on the horrors of war the archives of history.
and pleas to God for forgiveness and
guidance permeate this work. —Note by James Eakin III
TEXT AND Translation
FLOWERS OVER THE GRAVE OF WAR
English text: Michael Dennis Browne
Introit
Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine, Grant them eternal rest, O Lord,
et lux perpetua luceat eis. and let perpetual light shine upon them.
Introibo ad altare Dei. Ad Deum qui I will go unto the altar of God, to God
laetificat juventutem meam. Who giveth joy to my youth.
Requiem aeternam, dona eis, Domine, Grant them eternal rest, O Lord, and
et lux perpetua luceat eis. Exaudi ora- let perpetual light shine upon them.
tionem meam. Ad te omnis caro Hear my prayer; to you shall all flesh
veniet. come.
Kyrie
Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison. Kyrie Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy.
eleison. Lord have mercy.
Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison. Kyrie Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy.
eleison. Lord have mercy.
Sanctus
Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus, Dominus Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts;
Deus Saboath. Pleni sunt coeli et terra Heaven and earth are full of your
gloriatua. Hosanna in excelsis. glory. Hosanna in the highest.
Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus, Dominus Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts;
Deus Saboath. Pleni sunt coeli et terra Heaven and earth are full of your
gloria tua. Hosanna in excelsis. glory. Hosanna in the highest.
Benedictus
Agnus Dei
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, Lamb of God, who take away the sins
dona eis requiem. of the world, grant them rest.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, Lamb of God, who take away the sins
dona eis requiem. of the world, grant them rest.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, Lamb of God, who take away the sins
dona eis requiem sempiternam. of the world, grant them eternal rest.
Credo Coda
IDA NICOLOSI
Ida Nicolosi, a “bright, beautiful
soprano voice” (Kansas City Star) is
recognized for her command of a great
breadth of repertoire that encom-
passes opera, oratorio, early music,
and new music. Recent performances
include, Handel’s Gloria, Vaughan
William’s Dona Nobis Pacem, and
George Crumb’s Apparitions. Ms.
Nicolosi has sung with the Spoletto
Festival USA, Lincoln Center Festival,
Kansas City Puccini Festival, Opera
Iowa, Lyric Opera of Kansas City
Educational Outreach Troupe, The
Gotham Chamber Opera, The Des
Moines Metro Opera, the Kansas City teaches voice and courses in music
Civic Opera, and the Jewell Early education at Pepperdine University in
Music Festival. Ms. Nicolosi currently Malibu, California.
KRISTIN ALLEGRI
Hailed by The New York Times as a
“highlight” in performance, Kirsten
Allegri, mezzo-soprano, brings engag-
ing vocalism, dynamic stage presence
and sincere musical interpretation to
the concert stage. Critical acclaim from
National Public Radio declares, “If
Allegri keeps this up, it won’t be long
before she garners a reputation as the
first great mezzo of the 21st century!”
GREGORY WARREN
Gregory Warren’s career had its first
spark in the opera world when he was
chosen to be a part of the Placido
Domingo-Cafritz program with Wash-
ington National Opera. There he was
able to grow as an artist under the care
of Maestro Domingo and all the tal-
ented musicians at Washington
National Opera. Mr. Warren also had
the opportunity to be part of The
Santa Fe Opera Apprentice program in
the summers of 2005–07 where he
studied under famous instructors,
coaches, and musicians.
In 2004 Mr. Aiken released Merry In addition to taking the stage on nine
Christmas with Love, the fastest sell- separate tours, in 2008 Mr. Aiken
ing Christmas album in Nielsen began his critically lauded stint as the
Soundscan history. He followed that inept yet endearing Sir Robin in the
success with A Thousand Different Broadway musical Monty Python’s
Ways (2006), All is Well (2006), and Spamalot. Variety reported that his
On My Way Here (2008). His fifth January 2008 debut benefited the
studio album, Tried and True, was show with a huge uptick in sales. Mr.
released in 2010, receiving positive Aiken proved to be a tour de force that
reviews from critics across the board. prompted director Mike Nichols to
Notably, Aiken earned the distinction label him “an excellent comic actor
of being only the eighth artist to ever and a master of character.”
have his first four albums debut in the
Billboard Top 5. His albums have sold Throughout his career, Aiken has contin-
over 6 million units as of 2011. uously been a supportive activist on
behalf of children. Clay has been an
Aiken also penned a memoir in 2004, ambassador for UNICEF since 2004; the
Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in same year he started the National Inclu-
Your Life. The book was an instant sion Project with co-founder Diane
New York Times bestseller, holding Bubel. NIP supports the integration of
the prestigious spot for seven weeks. children with disabilities into the same
environments as their non-disabled peers.
DISTINGUISHED CONCERTS INTERNATIONAL NEW YORK
Founded by Iris Derke (General Direc- entity with unmatched integrity that is
tor) and Jonathan Griffith (Artistic a talent incubator, a star-maker, and a
Director and Principal Conductor) presenter of broadly accessible, world-
Distinguished Concerts International class musical entertainment. For more
is driven by passion, innovative vision, information about Distinguished Con-
a total belief in its artists, and unwa- certs International in New York and
vering commitment to bringing forth upcoming DCINY musical events
unforgettable audience experiences. around the world, please visit:
With over 25 combined years of expe- www.dciny.org, or call toll free:
rience, DCINY is a creative producing 1-877-MYDCINY.
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Through Music, and High 5.
For information about performing on DCINY’s series or about purchasing tickets to scheduled
concerts, e-mail Concerts@DCINY.org, call 212–707–8566 or 877–MYDCINY (toll free), or
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UPCOMING EVENTS
2012 DCINY Concert and Artist Series
Please join us for one of our other events:
Tuesday, February 28, 2012, 7:00 p.m., Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage, Carnegie
Hall
Deep in the heART of Texas
Texas A&M University Chorale and Wind Ensemble
Randall Hooper, Director of Choral Activities
Phillip Clements, Director of Bands
Friday, March 2, 2012, 8:00 p.m., Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall
Distinguished Concerts Artist Series: Soprani Compagni
Tammie Huntington, Soprano; Lisa Dawson, Soprano; Phoenix Park-Kim, Piano
Friday, March 16, 2012, 8:00 p.m., Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall
Distinguished Concerts Artist Series: Trio Lorca
Catherine Verrilli, Soprano; Melissa Krause, Flute; Terry Vermillion, Percussion
Sunday, March 18, 2012, 2:00 p.m., Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center
Requiem x 2
Clausen: Requiem (New York Premiere)
Bradley Ellingboe, Guest Conductor; René Clausen, Composer-in-Residence
Featuring the University of New Mexico choirs
Mozart: Requiem; Vance George, Conductor Laureate
Featuring Distinguished Concerts Orchestra International and Distinguished
Concerts Singers International
Saturday, March 24, 2012, 2:00 p.m., Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall
Distinguished Concerts Artist Series: The Werner Chamber Quartet
Thursday, March 29, 2012, 6:30 p.m., Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage, Carnegie Hall
Sounds of Twilight at Winter’s End
Coronado High School Wind Ensemble, Alan Combs, Director
Clark High School Concert Band and Orchestra, Jeffrey Lacoff and Charles
Cushinery, Directors
Santiago High School Madrigals and Santiago High School Treble Ensemble,
Karen Garrett, Director
Saturday, March 31, 2012, 2:00 p.m., Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center
Eternal Light...Shining Bright
Music for Women’s Chorus, Hilary Apfelstadt, Guest Conductor
Lauridsen: Lux Aeterna; Jonathan Griffith, DCINY Artistic Director and Principal
Conductor
Morten Lauridsen, Composer-in-Residence
Featuring Distinguished Concerts Singers International
Cy-Fair Chorale and Cy-Fair High School Women’s Choir
Jed Ragsdale and Hallie Reed, Directors
Sunday, April 1, 2012, 8:30 p.m., Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage, Carnegie Hall
This Shining Night: The Music of Lauridsen and Whitacre
Eric Whitacre, Composer/Conductor; Special guest artist: Morten Lauridsen
Featuring Distinguished Concert Singers International
Dates, repertoire, and artists subject to change. For a full season listing, visit
www.DCINY.org.