American Bach Soloists perform PERGOLESI & HANDEL April 5, 2009

Jeffrey Thomas, Conductor
Guest artists: Mary Wilson (soprano) and Ian Howell (countertenor)

American Bach Soloists will continue their outstanding 20th anniversary season with a concert designed to showcase two exceptional vocalists renowned for their mastery in the Italian repertoire. Mary Wilson and Ian Howell are artists whose phenomenal vocal gifts, commitment to interpretive excellence, dazzling technical prowess, and sheer beauty of tone always elicit the most sensational receptions from ABS audiences. Indeed, they have won our hearts. Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater has been the vehicle of choice for soprano-alto duos for centuries. Its exquisite vocal lines and depth of expressive rhetoric never fail to gratify and thrill audiences. And a selection of Handel’s most delightful Italian Duets will make this an evening of unforgettable music.

Founded in 1989, AMERICAN BACH SOLOISTS (ABS) has performed at the world's leading early music festivals and has also made appearances in Singapore and Hong Kong. The acclaimed ensemble has become a veritable “Who’s Who” of early music specialists and has been called “superbly musical,” and “a breath of fresh air.”

Also playing:

Friday, April 3 @ 8:00pm*
St. Stephen’s Church (3 Bayview Avenue @ Golden Gate, Belvedere)

Saturday, April 4 @ 8:00pm*
First Congregational Church (2345 Channing Way @ Dana, Berkeley)

Monday, April 6 @ 8:00pm*
Davis Community Church (412 C Street at Fourth, Davis)

*All concerts are preceded by a pre-concert lecture one hour prior to the performance.

TICKETS: $18 - $44 general; $10 - $40 for seniors, students, and children

BOX OFFICE: (800) 838-3006 and americanbach.org

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Official Website: http://www.americanbach.org