A program of the finest but seldom-heard French Baroque sacred works will be presented by Voices, Rochester’s professional choral chamber ensemble, at historic St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 26. The performance, part of the “Eastman at St. Michael’s” series of monthly recitals, will precede the Church’s annual Homecoming Mass, at which Bishop Matthew Clark will preside.
Voices was founded by Eastman School of Music Professor William Weinert in 2007. The ensemble specializes in music for small and flexible vocal ensembles, with concerts featuring groups of different sizes. Their concert at St. Michael’s Church will include 14 singers and 10 instrumentalists performing 17th century works by French composers: “Magnificat in G” and “La Réniement de St. Pierre” by Charpentier; “Nimis Honorati Sunt” by Clérambault; and “Cantate Domino” by Lalande. Featured soloists will be sopranos Kayleen Follman and Anna Lenti, tenors Pablo Bustos and Daniel McInerny, and baritones John Buffett and Malcolm Merriweather.
The concert is free and open to the public. Donations can be directed to the church. The Mass at 4 p.m. will include special music by members of the Voices ensemble. A reception will follow.
The recital series is a collaboration between the Eastman School and St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church. Located at 869 North Clinton Ave. in Rochester, St. Michael’s is an 1888 Gothic Revival church that was designed by prominent Chicago architect Adolphus Druiding. The Lockport sandstone exterior features a 225-foot tower, a prominent visual landmark on the city’s northeast side. The interior, which is highlighted by stenciled walls, carvings of oak and gold leaf, and Austrian stained glass windows, is considered one of the most beautiful in the area.
The remaining concert in the series will take place at 2:30 p.m. on May 24. For more information on “Eastman at St. Michael’s Series,” contact the Eastman School of Music at (585) 274-1564.
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Calendar Listings
Sunday, April 26
2:30 p.m.
“Eastman at St. Michael’s.” Voices vocal ensemble, William Weinert, director.
St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church, 869 North Clinton Ave., Rochester
Free, donations to church accepted.
Sunday, May 24
2:30 p.m.
“Eastman at St. Michael’s.” William Osinski, trumpet; Daniel Aune, organ.
St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church, 869 North Clinton Ave., Rochester
Free, donations to church accepted.