Mercury Neighborhood Finale to Celebrate Music of Nations

Explore the music of new worlds and cultures as synthesized in the performance of two notable composers. Artistic Director Antoine Plante and Mercury close out the 2015-2016 Neighborhood Series on April 9 through 16 with Telemann's Suite "Les Nations" and Dvo?ák's "American" String Quartet, arranged by Maestro Plante for string orchestra. Hear this unique juxtaposition of the Baroque and Romantic eras in your favorite venues around Houston: Museum of Fine Arts Houston (April 9, 7 PM), Dosey Doe's Big Barn (April 10, 7 PM), MATCH (April 14, 8 PM), and Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church (April 16, 2:30 PM). For more information about the concert and to buy tickets, visit www.mercuryhouston.org or call 713.533.0080.

ABOUT MERCURY

Founded in 2000, Mercury has a mission to serve the community by celebrating the power of music, Baroque and beyond, teaching, sharing and performing with passion, intimacy and excellence. The orchestra offers performances of a broad repertoire of music on period instruments and has garnered critical acclaim around the world through innovative and accessible performances, domestic and international tours, and groundbreaking music education programs.

What makes a Mercury performance unique?

Mercury musicians perform on period instruments similar in style and sound to those used by composers of the Baroque, Classical, and early Romantic periods. Differences between modern and period instruments can be seen in the string section where players use gut rather than steel strings and often utilize a Baroque bow that is shorter and more curved than a modern bow. Brass instruments have no valves and are more modest in shape than their modern equivalents, and the timpani drums utilize leather skins rather than synthetic heads. Perhaps the most recognizable differences can be seen in the woodwind section; these instruments have less keys and are actually crafted from wood as opposed to metal or plastic like many modern instruments. Mercury chooses to perform with period instruments to create a distinctive and exciting sound, true to the composer's intent. Mercury musicians also perform standing to better express the passion and vitality of the music. All of this provides a singular listening experience for our audience.