Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale Announce 2018/19 Season

Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale announces its 2018/19 season---Transcendence. In its 38th year, PBO will continue to take its signature brand of historically-informed performance to the next level with its subscription season, alternative concert series PBO SESSIONS, Juilliard partnership and its national tour schedule.

Philharmonia's 2018/19 season promises an eclectic array of music and experiences, including sacred vocal works by Bach, Mozart, and Pärt, virtuosic concerti by Vivaldi and Clement, and Handel at his dramatic heights. Starting in October, Mozart's "Exsultate, jubilate" sets the tone for an exuberant season in an all-Mozart program featuring the Philharmonia Chorale and soprano Camille Ortiz who appeared in Philharmonia's operatic production of Rameau's "Le Temple de la Gloire" in 2017. In November, Philharmonia presents Vivaldi the Teacher, When Reigning and Rising Stars Align. This program features recent graduates from The Juilliard School and Philharmonia musicians in a side-by-side program of Vivaldi double concerti for two oboes, two violins, and two violoncellos. Patrick Dupré Quigley of GRAMMY-nominated Seraphic Fire curates and conducts a holiday concert of Monteverdi, Vivaldi, Purcell, and Bach. February features the Philharmonia debut of violin virtuoso Rachel Barton Pine performing the Franz Clement Violin Concerto that she was the first in the world to record upon its rediscovery. And for the first time, Bay Area audiences will hear Anne Sofie Von Otter in an eclectic program of Handel, Pärt, and Philharmonia commissions by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw that has already enraptured audiences and critics in Los Angeles, Montreal, and Quebec City. This program is also part of Philharmonia's long-term commissioning initiative. The season culminates with Nicholas McGegan's signature interpretation of Handel in the epic oratorio, "Saul," featuring Bruce Lamott's Philharmonia Chorale and recent Metropolitan Opera competition winner countertenor Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen.

In addition to its mainstage programming, Philharmonia will present three installments of PBO SESSIONS, its popular alternative concert series, including The "HIP" Revolution in a musical and multimedia exploration of the early music movement and its popularity among young classical musicians today, which will take place at San Francisco's ODC Theater in November 2018. The program will feature recent Juilliard graduates in performance and dialogue with PBO musicians and Ben Sosland, head of Juilliard's historical performance program. For the first time, Philharmonia will bring PBO SESSIONS to the Bing Studio at Stanford University in a March 2019 program entitled A Little Night Music: New and Old Music for Old Instruments, with performances by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw and countertenor Daniel Moody with dialogue from Anne Sofie Von Otter and Nicholas McGegan. And as part of its Jews & Music Initiative, Philharmonia will present its final PBO SESSIONS of the season, Handel's Heroes & Villains, at the Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco in April 2019.

Music Director Nicholas McGegan noted, "At 38 years, Philharmonia is excited to showcase the depth and range of period instruments and the vocal talent that gives old music new life with authentic interpretation. As a historically-informed ensemble, PBO is uniquely suited to tackle all kinds of repertoire, from Baroque to Classical to brand new works. I am thrilled to present a season that seeks both to honor the music as it was intended to be played and to push boundaries where we can and where it's appropriate. This music is meant to be fun. And I am delighted that we are continuing our partnership with The Juilliard School's Historical Performance program to raise up the next generation of period instrumentalists."

Philharmonia will continue its partnership with The Juilliard School's Historical Performance program and its Jews & Music Initiative throughout the year.

In 2018/19, Philharmonia embarks upon a robust touring schedule, including a reprise of its March subscription program at Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center with mezzo-soprano Anne Sofie Von Otter and countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo, and the world premiere of the final piece of Caroline Shaw's PBO-commissioned song cycle for Miss von Otter. The first in the song cycle, Red, Red Rose, enjoyed its world premiere at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles in 2016. Additionally, Philharmonia will return to Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Orange County, and the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival in Connecticut, and make debut performances at the Caramoor Summer Festival in Katonah, New York, and Granada Theatre in Santa Barbara. Of note, the Philharmonia Chorale will join the Orchestra on tour twice next season.

Subscriptions to the new 2018/19 season are available to the public for prices ranging from $89 to $655. Call (415) 295-1900 to subscribe or visit philharmonia.org/subscribe.

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PBO 2018/19 SUBSCRIPTION SEASON

SET 1: MOZART MAGNIFIED

Magnificence in the Meticulous Detail

Nicholas McGegan, conductor

Camille Ortiz, soprano

Meg Bragle, mezzo-soprano

James Reese, tenor

Dashon Burton, bass-baritone

Philharmonia Chorale, Bruce Lamott, director

MOZART "Litaniae Lauretanae", K. 195/186d

MOZART "Exsultate, jubilate", K. 165

MOZART Mass No. 15 in C major, K. 317 "Coronation Mass"

PERFORMANCE DATES

Wednesday, October 3, 7:30 p.m. at Bing Concert Hall, Stanford Calif.

Friday, October 5, 8 p.m. at Herbst Theatre, San Francisco

Saturday, October 6, 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church, Berkeley Calif.

Sunday, October 7, 4 p.m. at First Congregational Church, Berkeley Calif.

SET 2: VIVALDI THE TEACHER

When Reigning and Rising Stars Align

Nicholas McGegan, conductor

Elizabeth Blumenstock & Alana Youssefian, violin

Phoebe Carrai & Keiran Campbell, violoncello

Gonzalo X. Ruiz & David Dickey, oboe

CORELLI Concerto Grosso Op. 6, No. 7 in D major

VIVALDI Concerto for Two Violins in C major, RV 507

VIVALDI Concerto for Two Violoncellos in G minor, RV 531

VIVALDI Concerto for Two Oboes in D minor, RV 535

VIVALDI Concerto for Two Violins and Two Violoncellos in G major, RV 575

VIVALDI Concerto for Oboe and Violin in B-flat major, RV 548

VIVALDI Concerto for Violin in B-flat major, RV 372a

GEMINIANI Concerto Grosso No. 12 in D minor, "La Follia" (after Corelli)

PERFORMANCE DATES

Wednesday, November 7, 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, Palo Alto Calif.

Friday, November 9, 8 p.m. at Herbst Theatre, San Francisco

Saturday, November 10, 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church, Berkeley Calif.

Sunday, November 11, 4 p.m. at First Congregational Church, Berkeley Calif.

SET 3: PHILHARMONIC FIRE

with Patrick Dupré Quigley

Patrick Dupré Quigley, conductor

Margot Rood, soprano

Reginald Mobley, countertenor

Steven Soph, tenor

Steven Eddy, baritone

MONTEVERDI "Confitebor tibi Domino," No. 2, from "Selva Morale e Spirituale"

BACH Cantata No. 61 "Nun Komm, der Heiden Heiland," BWV 61

VIVALDI "Nisi Dominus," RV 608

PURCELL The Frost Scene (Act III, Scene II), from "King Arthur"

BACH Cantata No. 140 "Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme," BWV 140

PERFORMANCE DATES

Wednesday, December 5, 7:30 p.m. at Bing Concert Hall, Stanford Calif.

Friday, December 7, 8 p.m. at Herbst Theatre, San Francisco

Saturday, December 8, 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church, Berkeley Calif.

Sunday, December 9, 4 p.m. at First Congregational Church, Berkeley Calif.

SET 4: VIENNESE PIVOT

Classicism at the Crossroads

Nicholas McGegan, conductor

Rachel Barton Pine, violin

MOZART Overture to "The Marriage of Figaro"

CLEMENT Violin Concerto in D major

SCHUBERT Symphony No. 6 in C major, D. 589

PERFORMANCE DATES

Wednesday, February 6, 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, Palo Alto Calif.

Friday, February 8, 8 p.m. at Herbst Theatre, San Francisco

Saturday, February 9, 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church, Berkeley Calif.

Sunday, February 10, 4 p.m. at First Congregational Church, Berkeley Calif.

SET 5: ANNE Sofie Von Otter

Handel, Purcell, Pärt & Shaw

Nicholas McGegan, conductor

Anne Sofie Von Otter, mezzo-soprano

Daniel Moody, countertenor

HANDEL Overture to "Partenope"

HANDEL arias and duets from "Partenope," "Semele," and "Solomon"

HANDEL Concerto Grosso Op. 6, No. 4 in A minor, HWV 322

PÄRT "Summa"

PÄRT "Vater Unser"

PÄRT "Es sang vor langen Jahren"

SHAW "Red, Red Rose"

SHAW "The Rose (i)"

PURCELL Suite from "The Fairy Queen," Z. 629

PERFORMANCE DATES

Wednesday, March 6, 7:30 p.m. at Bing Concert Hall, Stanford Calif.

Friday, March 8, 8 p.m. at Herbst Theatre, San Francisco

Saturday, March 9, 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church, Berkeley Calif.

Sunday, March 10, 4 p.m. at First Congregational Church, Berkeley Calif.

SET 6: HANDEL'S SAUL

Hell hath no fury like Handel's scorn

Nicholas McGegan, conductor

Sherezade Panthaki, soprano (Michal)

Yulia Van Doren, soprano (Merab)

Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen, countertenor (David)

Aaron Sheehan, tenor (Jonathan)

Daniel Okulitch, baritone (Saul)

Philharmonia Chorale, Bruce Lamott, director

HANDEL "Saul"

PERFORMANCE DATES

Saturday, April 6, 7 p.m. at First Congregational Church, Berkeley Calif.

Sunday, April 7, 4 p.m. at First Congregational Church, Berkeley Calif.

Friday, April 12, 7 p.m. at Herbst Theatre, San Francisco

Saturday, April 13, 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, Palo Alto Calif.

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PBO SESSIONS

PBO SESSIONS: Going for Baroque

November 8, 2018 at 8 p.m.

ODC Theater, San Francisco

Since its rise in the 1970's, historically-informed performance practice has evolved into a hugely popular movement. An increasing number of classical music students are choosing to join the HIP revolution. Hear gorgeous works by Vivaldi, Handel, and Geminiani, presented by PBO musicians and recent Juilliard graduates, along with insights from Ben Sosland, Director of The Juilliard School's Historical Performance program, and Courtney Beck, Executive Director of PBO, as they share what it takes to be leaders in this dynamic field.

PBO SESSIONS: A Little Night Music

New and Old Music for Old Instruments

March 7, 2019 at 8 p.m.

Bing Concert Hall Studio, Stanford Calif.

For the first time, Philharmonia brings PBO SESSIONS to Stanford. Pulitzer Prize-winning composer and performer Caroline Shaw presents her acclaimed compositions and works by Pärt and Leonarda in a program that showcases the synergies between old and new music. This historically-informed program will captivate the ears of early-music enthusiasts as much as those who crave contemporary cadence. The charismatic composer joins countertenor Daniel Moody in a program illuminated by insights from conductor Nic McGegan and mezzo-soprano Anne Sofie Von Otter. Don't miss this cabaret-style experience complete with no-host bar.

PBO SESSIONS: Handel's Heroes & Villains

April 9, 2019 at 8 p.m.

Contemporary Jewish Museum, San Francisco

The Jewish hero Joshua leads the Children of Israel into the Promised Land after forty years of wandering in the wilderness of Egypt. An aged King Saul plots against young hero David to the downfall of his own family. Judas Maccabaeus accepts his new role as his father's successor and restores the Temple of Jerusalem. Flurries of fury storm the stage as Nic McGegan and a star-studded cast conjure the heroes and villains that figure prominently in Handel's most blisteringly brilliant music.

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PBO ON TOUR

Norfolk Chamber Music Festival

July 21, 2018

Norfolk, Conn.

HANDEL'S WATER MUSIC

Storm the Shed with Telemann's "Tafelmusik" and Handel's "Water Music," fresh off Nic McGegan's 300th-anniversary celebration of the latter at BBC Proms. Sherezade Panthaki, Amy Freston, and Davóne Tines ignite additional Handelian fireworks for summer enchantment at the foot of the Berkshires.

Caramoor Summer Festival

July 22, 2018

Katonah, N.Y.

HANDEL'S ATALANTA

PBO re-animates Handel's winsome pastoral romance "Atalanta," previously recorded in 2005, with a new cast featuring Sherezade Panthaki as the conflicted Princess Atalanta, Amy Freston as her ardent suitor King Meleagro, Isaiah Bell as the passionate shepherd Aminta, and Davóne Tines as the divine messenger Mercurio. Cécile van de Sant and Philip Cutlip reprise their roles as Irene, the plucky shepherdess, and her father Nicandro.

Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall,

Philharmonic Society of Orange County

October 4, 2018

Costa Mesa, Calif.

MOZART MAGNIFIED

Nic McGegan and guest soloists join the Orchestra & Chorale in a performance of sacred Mozart works to open the season at this spectacular Orange County venue.

Granada Theatre, CAMA

February 5, 2019

Santa Barbara, Calif.

VIENNESE PIVOT with Rachel Barton Pine

Violin dynamo Rachel Barton Pine reprises the Clement Violin Concerto that she was the first in the world to record.

Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center

March 12, 2019

New York, N.Y.

ANNE Sofie Von Otter with Anthony Roth Costanzo

An eclectic evening of Handel, Pärt, and Caroline Shaw's PBO-commissioned works, with a world premiere of her newest piece to be performed by Anne Sofie Von Otter. Anthony Roth Costanzo makes his Philharmonia debut.

Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles Philharmonic

April 10, 2019

Los Angeles, Calif.

HANDEL'S SAUL

Renowned Handel expert Nic McGegan leads an all-star cast through a Biblical tale of love and jealousy, madness and mourning, family feuds and supernatural apparitions.

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Single tickets for the 2018/19 Season will go on sale with City Box Office on August 1, 2018. Subscription details can be found online at philharmonia.org/subscribe.

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