Darkness over the Earth, water turning to blood, plagues of jumping frogs, buzzing insects, and hailstones, an oncoming mighty storm, and the parting of the Red Sea while hordes of horsemen and chariots are engulfed – such imagery calls for the masterful hand of George F. Handel. In this choral tour de force, some of the most vivid images of the Exodus story are recounted during the first segment, which is then followed by the beautiful and exultant second part, The Song of Moses. At times tender, simple, stately, crashing, complex and colossal, Israel in Egypt is one of Handel’s monumental achievements. It features the chorus in an unprecedented way, with lovely and descriptive solos and duets accentuating their story throughout.
The Collegiate Chorale
American Symphony Orchestra
featuring:
Sari Gruber, soprano
Brian Asawa, countertenor
Rufus Müller, tenor
James Bagwell, conductor
The Collegiate Chorale has been a prominent force in the cultural life of New York City for more than 60 years. Founded in 1941 by Robert Shaw and taking its name from its first rehearsal space, the Marble Collegiate Church, The Chorale rose to prominence when it performed Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 under the baton of Arturo Toscanini. Subsequently, the chorus has performed with such conductors as Beecham, Bernstein, Koussevitzky, Maazel, Mehta, and Mitropoulos. Through the years The Chorale has established an international reputation through its commitment not only to the traditional choral repertoire but to American music, commissioning works from Barber, Bolcom, Britten, Copland, Dvorák, Hindemith, and Sessions.
The Chorale’s mission is to enrich its audiences through innovative programming and exceptional performances of a broad range of vocal music featuring a premier choral ensemble. Inherent in its mission is The Chorale's belief that choral music is a compelling collaboration that creates a powerful, shared experience unifying listeners and musicians of all backgrounds, beliefs and ages.
