For Mozart fans, this week will bring a happy musical treat. "Austria's Jewel: Music of Salzburg," presented by Dartmouth Chamber Singers in conjunction with the Arcadia Players, can be seen in the Rollins Chapel this Thursday for just $3. The concert will feature early Mozart and the music that influenced him.
Well known for their professionalism, the Chamber Singers consist of 22 students dedicated to music and performance. They take on a wide range of pieces, from English madrigals to Schubert art songs, from Bach cantatas to newly-commissioned pieces. The group tours each year, alternately in Europe and in America, and will travel to Great Britain this winter.
Newly appointed Director of Chamber Singers Timothy Newton is presently pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Illinois in both choral conducting and literature. He has taught at various colleges, including Ithaca, Huntington, Indiana University and Purdue University at Fort Wayne. His performance credits include appearances with the Pittsburgh Opera, the Baroque Artists of Champaign-Urbana, and the Collegium Choragos.
The Arcadia Players will accompany the Chamber Singers this Thursday in performance. Consisting of western New England professional musicians and teachers, the Arcadia Players frequently collaborate with the Hart School of Music, Smith College and Dartmouth. They each play the period instruments of the Baroque and early Classical era, as both accompaniment and featured performers.
World-renowned mezzo-soprano Erma Gattie will guest star at the performance. A "highest distinction" graduate of Northwestern University, she has performed as principle artist with over 10 prestigious opera companies. Some of her roles include Cherubino in "The Marriage of Figaro," Idamante in "Idomeneo," Nicklausse in "Les Contes D'Hoffmann" and Dorabella in "Cosi fan Tutte." Ms. Gattie currently teaches voice at Dartmouth.
Put together with the intent of illuminating Mozart and the times in which he lived, Thursday's program will include three classic Mozart pieces, two by Johann Ernst Eberlin, one by Leopold Mozart and Michael Haydn's Requiem in C Minor.
Member Matthew Kramar '00 said of the musical fare, "it's got a good contrast, a nice mix. The concert will provide a balance between the fun and light pieces of Mozart's youth and the heavier though equally appealing musical sonorities of Haydn's requiem mass."
Of Franz Haydn's lesser-known brother Michael, Kramar said, "Though perhaps overlooked as a musical entity of Salzburg, Michael Haydn really has a grasp on emotional painting in his music, as is clear from the requiem."
New to the group as of September, Timothy Stanne '03 "is really excited" to be performing with the Arcadia Players, and encourages Mozart fans and ignoramuses alike to come experience the Chamber Singers' musical magic.
Tickets may be purchased for the Chamber Singers' Thursday, Nov. 4 performance at the Hopkins Center box office. Tickets are $3 for undergrads, $8.50 for the general public. The concert will take place at 8 p.m. in Rollins Chapel.
