Miller Theatre at Columbia University School of the Arts continues the 2013-14 season of its Early Music series with WONDROUS BIRTH, a holiday program featuring NEW YORK POLYPHONY on Saturday, December 14, 2013, 8:00 p.m. at St. Paul's Chapel, Columbia University (enter the campus at 2960 Broadway at 116th Street). Tickets: $30-$40 • Students with valid ID: $18-$24.
From Miller Theatre Executive Director Melissa Smey:
"Not only is New York Polyphony one of the most respected vocal chamber ensembles performing today, they are also fellow New Yorkers. I'm thrilled to be collaborating with them again, and especially to be premiering a brand new work we've commissioned for them."
Miller Theatre's "essential" (The New Yorker) Early Music series has been lauded as a leader in New York's burgeoning historical performance scene. This year Miller once again plays host to some of the world's leading early music ensembles and young upstarts alike. Miller favorites Le Poème Harmonique and Stile Antico return, along with locals New York Polyphony. The Orlando Consort celebrates a 25th anniversary of their own at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin. The series will also feature world premiere performances of two new commissions, from composers Andrew Smith and Michael Nyman-a first for the series. Nyman's work, written for The Tallis Scholars, celebrates both Miller's milestone anniversary and The Tallis Scholars' 40th year.
New York Polyphony returns with a diverse holiday program that offers an intimate and meditative take on the Christmas season. The imaginative repertoire spans nine centuries and ranges from popular early fare, including Victoria's O magnum misterium and ancient carols, to newer repertoire, including a piece by New York Polyphony's own countertenor Geoffrey Williams and the world premiere of a Miller Theatre commission from composer Andrew Smith.
PROGRAM:New York Polyphony: Audivi vocem de caelo by Thomas Tallis (1505-1585)
Recorded live May 2013 at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin
New York Polyphony: New York Polyphony are fast-rising stars on the classical music scene. Praised for a "rich, natural sound that's larger and more complex than the sum of its parts" (National Public Radio), "Early music's Fab Four" (Brattleboro Reformer) are recognized as one of the finest vocal ensembles active today. The all-male quartet apply not only refined musicianship and interpretative detail but also a refreshingly modern touch to repertoire that ranges from austere medieval melodies to cutting-edge contemporary works. Dedication to innovative programming, as well as a focus on rare and rediscovered early music, have earned New York Polyphony critical accolades and a devoted following.
In early 2012, New York Polyphony released endBeginning, their third album and first on acclaimed label BIS Records. Containing rare and never-before recorded works from the Franco-Flemish Renaissance, it has amassed substantial critical acclaim. endBeginning has been featured on NPR's Deceptive Cadence, selected as 'CD of the Week' by Alex Ross (The Rest Is Noise), and rated 10-out-of-10 by Classics Today. It also received high marks from international publications including Klassik Heute (Germany), Diapason (France), and
Gramophone (UK).
Columbia University's Miller Theatre is located north of the Main Campus Gate at 116th St. & Broadway on the ground floor of Dodge Hall. Directions and information is available online at www.millertheatre.com or via the Miller Theatre Box Office, at 212.854.7799.
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