Harris Theater Welcomes Music of the Baroque Chorus And COT 4/15

This April, the Harris Theater for Music and Dance features exciting music and opera engagements by two of Chicago's finest musical organizations. Highlights include the one of the most beloved works of all time-Handel's incomparable Messiah performed by the Music of the Baroque Chorus and Orchestra; and the launch of Chicago Opera Theater's 2011 season, featuring Tod Machover's Death and the Powers-A Robots' Opera and Marc-Antoine Charpentier's Medea (Médée).

Tickets for these performances are available at the Harris Theater box office located in Millennium Park at 205 E. Randolph Dr., by calling 312-334-7777 or by visiting www.harristheaterchicago.org.

Complete program information for the month of April at the Harris Theater is as follows:

Music of the Baroque
Friday, April 15, 2011 at 7:30 PM
Tickets $30-$75

Join us for the best-loved work in the choral repertoire, sung and played with Music of the Baroque's commitment and style.

Program:
Handel: Messiah, HWV 56

Music of the Baroque Chorus and Orchestra
Jane Glover, conductor
Elizabeth Futral, soprano
Catherine Wyn-Rogers, mezzo-soprano
John McVeigh, tenor
Christòpheren Nomura, bass-baritone

Chicago Opera Theater
Tod Machover's Death and the Powers-A Robots' Opera
April 2, 6 and 8, 2011 at 7:30 PM
April 10, 2011 at 3:00 PM
Subscriptions: $85-$305 (Students $42.50-$95 in Sections B, C, D)
Single Tickets: $25-$110 (Students $15-$40 in Sections B, C, D)

Developed at the MIT Media Lab this groundbreaking production will use specially designed technology including a chorus of robots, a Musical Chandelier, and a set that expressively "comes alive". The libretto by former U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky explores what we leave behind for the world and our loved ones, as told through an eccentric patriarch, Simon Powers, and his family. The music is by Tod Machover, whose genre-bending work is celebrated for its arching melodic lines, richly nuanced textures, and propulsive rhythms. Visionary director Diane Paulus is renowned for her talent in delivering adventurous productions that touch people emotionally as well as physically through audience participation devices. Set designer Alex McDowell is Hollywood's go-to guy when directors such as Tim Burton and Steven Spielberg seek an eclectic, dynamic look. Sung in English with English supertitles.

Chicago Opera Theater
Marc-Antoine Charpentier: Medea (Médée)
April 23, 27 and 29, 2011 at 7:30 PM
May 1, 2011 at 3:00 PM
Subscriptions: $85-$305 (Students $42.50-$95 in Sections B, C, D)
Single Tickets: $25-$110 (Students $15-$40 in Sections B, C, D)

The story of Medea continues in this second of the three-opera cycle presented by Chicago Opera Theater. Following Cavalli's bawdy and humorous Jason where Medea is introduced as a loving helpmate to Jason, Charpentier's opera reveals the tragic side of one of mythology's most famous - and feared - witches. Early music specialist Christian Curnyn, who conducted 2010's heralded Jason, returns for the next chapter in Medea's story. Up-and-coming director James Darrah makes his debut with Chicago Opera Theater bringing a dark and sexy vision to this timeless myth. This will also mark the first time that a Charpentier opera has ever been produced by a Chicago opera company. Sung in French with English supertitles.

* * * All programs, prices and dates are subject to change. * * *

Opened in 2003, the Harris Theater's mission is to partner and collaborate with an array of Chicago's emerging and mid-sized performing arts organizations to help them build the resources and infrastructure necessary to achieve artistic growth and long-term organizational sustainability. The Harris Theater for Music and Dance was the first multi-use performing arts venue to be built in the Chicago downtown area since 1929 and today the Theater continues to host the most diverse offerings of any venue in Chicago, featuring the city's world-renowned music and dance institutions and the Harris Theater Presents series of acclaimed national and International Artists and ensembles. To learn more about the season at the Harris Theater, visit www.harristheaterchicago.org or call the box office at 312-334-7777 to request a brochure.

For additional information about the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, Chicago's state-of-the art 1,470 seat performance venue, please visit www.harristheaterchicago.org