Charles Ives (1874-1954) was one of America’s most innovative composers, blending traditional hymns, patriotic songs, and various experimental techniques. Born in Danbury, Connecticut, Ives was the son of a bandmaster who inspired his experimentation in polytonality and unconventional rhythms. While pursuing a dual career as a successful insurance executive and composer, Ives composed a rich array of works. He is celebrated for his bold, sincere, and uniquely American voice. 

Tonight’s program features “Let There Be Light” an appropriately luminous choral setting drawn from his 1924 Psalm 67, which radiates with Ives’ spiritual and visionary optimism. “Serenity,” a song with text by John Greenleaf Whittier, evokes transcendent stillness through striking harmonic language and heartfelt simplicity. 

The Concert Program:

Let There Be Light, Ives

Prepare Thyself Zion from the Christmas Oratorio, J.S. Bach

Organ Sonata in D, Mozart

Jubilate, Vivaldi

Alles, was ihr tut mit Worten oder mit Werken, Buxtehude

Serenity, Ives

Intermission

Laudate Dominum, K 339, Mozart

Schlafe mein Prinschen, Mozart

Little Star of Behtleham, Ives

Surb Surb, Makar Yekmalyan 

The Handel Opera Project  programs the operas of George Frideric Handel and his contemporaries, as well as other programs of common practice Western (“classical”) music. The Handel Opera Project is dedicated to performing the operas that are thoughtfully edited for better accessibility to bring these works to a wider audience in the Bay Area, integrating themes of global community across countries and centuries as represented by Handel’s multicultural approach to composition. 

Please consider supporting an arts organization that provides Berkeley audiences with high-quality operatic productions while allowing local musicians the opportunities to thrive and grow in live concert settings. Many who have performed with The Handel Opera Project have gone on to perform with highly-regarded professional opera companies, including the San Francisco Opera, West Edge Opera, and Ars Minerva. The Handel Opera Project is the only opera company not affiliated with a scholastic institution that provides integral career-starting opportunities for singers and instrumentalists at all levels of ability and artistic accomplishment.  This company provides up-and-coming performers the critical experience they need to excel in the music profession. 

In addition to supporting local artists, your tax deductible donation would make it possible for the company to bring The Magic Flute to audiences next Spring. 

We appreciate your time and hope you will consider supporting our company, and in turn, the greater community of baroque interpreters and audiences in Berkeley.