Mercury presents Bach's 'St. Matthew Passion', 3/10

This spring, Mercury proudly presents "one of the greatest artistic achievements in history" at Stude Concert Hall. A profound, beautiful and moving masterpiece, it, as well as other works by Johann Sebastian Bach, have inspired such world-renowned artists as The Beatles and Simon and Garfunkel. On March 10th, Mercury brings music and voice together to present the St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244.

The ultimate love affair with humankind, the story resonates to this day. Described by the Los Angeles Times as "that most exalted of music's numinous monuments", and by Leonard Bernstein, "There is nothing like it in all of music", the operatic-influenced work remains popular centuries after its creation, with its dramatic impact, shifting points of view, and incredible richness of musical expression.

Joining Mercury and conductor Antoine Plante in this gripping, emotion-filled retelling of the story of Christ's crucifixion are a celebrated group of artists. Soloists Nicholas Phan ("One of the most beautiful young lyric voices around"- Opera News); Mark Diamond ("beautiful voice and striking stage appearance" - Berkshire Review for the Arts); alto Meg Bragle ( "a memorable, raw-silk voice"-Toronto Star); tenor Derek Chester ("beautifully liquescent tone" -Dallas Morning News); bass Michael Sumuel, ("luminous tone"-San Francisco Chronicle), and mezzo-soprano Mary Wilson ("She is simply amazing, with a voice that induces goose bumps"-Arizona Daily Star); as well as the acclaimed Houston Symphony Chorus Chamber Ensemble, directed by Betsy Cook Weber, and Houston Boychoir, directed by Carole Nelson. Saturday, March 10, 2018, Stude Concert Hall at 8:00 PM Johann Sebastian Bach: St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244

7:15 PM, Pre-concert LectureThis concert is made possible in part by Houston Saengerbund, the Houston Endowment and the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance.

Innovation, accessibility and dynamism are just three of the distinguishing characteristics of Mercury, the critically acclaimed Houston-based period instrument ensemble that continues to redefine the orchestra experience. Now in its 17th season, Mercury celebrates the power of music - from the Baroque period and more - serving the Houston community and beyond through teaching, sharing and performing with passion, intimacy and excellence.

In addition to performances in multiple venues throughout the Houston area, Mercury continues to invest in the community. It offers free community performances annually, including the community concert at The Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park, and the public concerts in the Crain Garden at Houston Methodist Hospital. Recognized for its award-winning education outreach programs comprising classroom music education and performances in Houston area schools, Mercury also presents master classes for school orchestras. Active in the recording scene, to date, Mercury has released eight albums on its own label, featuring works by Corelli, Mozart, Schubert, Rameau, Vivaldi, Piazzolla, and Handel.

Following Hurricane Harvey, Mercury's 2017-18 Flagship Downtown Series takes place at Stude Concert Hall at Rice University and Zilkha Hall at The Hobby Center while the Wortham Center's Cullen Theater is being renovated. Mercury's Neighborhood Series continues in the Museum of Fine Arts (MFAH) Beck Building, MATCH, Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, and Dosey Doe in The Woodlands.

Mercury gratefully acknowledges the following organizations and corporations for their ongoing support: the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance, Houston Endowment Inc., Texas Commission on the ARTS (TCA), the Wyatt Foundation, the Ting Tsung and Wei Fung Chao Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Of recent import is a Hurricane Harvey Relief Grant from the TCA, funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, Mellon Foundation and State of Texas, awarded to the ensemble to assist in the recovery of the business interruptions due the Hurricane Harvey this fall.

To post a comment, you must register and login.