Mercury Presents Bach & Sons, Featuring Harpsichordist Christophe Rousset, 11/17

After 12 years, Mercury Baroque drops the "Baroque", starting fresh as Mercury – The Orchestra Redefined. Following a creative rebranding last season, Mercury now performs a repertoire extending beyond Baroque, reflecting the orchestra's natural growth and evolution. Mercury stands apart from other orchestras in its consistent use of period instruments, creating a unique and organic sound. In addition to its flagship subscription series at the Wortham Center, Mercury performs for the first time in four new neighborhoods in 2012-2013, reaching and engaging an even larger audience in Houston. Season subscriptions, single ticket sales and CD are now open to the public; for more information, visit www.MercuryHouston.org or call (713) 533-0080.

Following Mercury's rousing season opener, November 17th brings us Bach & Sons with Christophe Rousset! Guest conductor and world-famous harpsichordist Christophe Rousset joins Mercury to lead the orchestra and bring to bear his vast expertise and affinity for music performed on period instruments. The program entails J.S. Bach's Orchestral Suite No. 1 in C Major, W.F. Bach's Sinfonia in D Major, C.P.E. Bach's Concerto for Harpsichord in C minor (featuring a Rousset solo) and J.C. Bach's Sinfonia in G minor.

Maestro Antoine Plante: "I'm really excited that Mr. Rousset will be joining Mercury to lead and perform with The Orchestra. He has an exceptional talent - I have experienced it first hand, in concerts and in recordings. I'm happy that he will be sharing that talent with our musicians and our audience."

Mercury performs:

J.S. Bach's Orchestral Suite No. 1 in C Major
W.F. Bach's Sinfonia in D Major
C.P.E. Bach's Concerto for Harpsichord in C minor (featuring a Rousset solo)
and J.C. Bach's Sinfonia in G minor
Featuring Concertmaster and violinist, Jonathan Godfrey

Twelve years ago, Antoine Plante, Jonathan Godfrey, Ana Trevio-Godfrey and Lori Muratta aspired to enchant and educate Houston audiences with a broad repertoire of music on period instruments. Gathered over pizza in Montrose, the four established Mercury Baroque, an intimate chamber ensemble. Today, that ensemble has blossomed into a chamber orchestra playing music from the Baroque era and beyond, reaching thousands across Houston and garnering critical acclaim around the world.

Through its innovative and accessible performances, domestic and international tours, and groundbreaking music education outreach programs, Mercury has redefined the role of music in the Houston community by emphasizing accessibility and education. Mercury performs over fifty concerts each year, including its flagship series at the Wortham Center, Cullen Theater, concerts in neighborhood venues across the city, and chamber music performances in more intimate settings.

Mercury is also dedicated to educating future audiences and training the city's future musicians. The Orchestra's educational outreach programs have reached more than 10,000 children in the past five years alone, fostering a love for classical music in our next generation, as well as providing them with a meaningful opportunity for personal growth.

From its humble beginnings over pizza, Mercury is now firmly established as a musical icon of Houston's vibrant culture. The Orchestra continues to reach out to new audiences with an approachable, fresh interpretation of classical music. We invite you to become a part of its legacy, and loyal patronage.

Mercury is now performing three concerts in four Houston neighborhoods in 2012-2013: The Heights, Museum District, Memorial and The Woodlands. Join us for Vivaldi's Harmonic Inspirations, Bach's Double Concerto, and Mozart's A Little Night Music; a much more affordable way to enjoy our music, intimated in a more casual atmosphere – right at your doorstep.

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