The Falmouth Chorale Presents MOZART 260

The Falmouth Chorale, led by Artistic Director John Yankee, presents Mozart 260, a concert featuring a quartet of soloists and chamber orchestra on Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23, 4 pm at John Wesley United Methodist Church, 270 Gifford Street, Falmouth.

Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, for chamber orchestra; the "Sparrow" Mass; and scenes from The Magic Flute, will be featured in this all-Mozart concert. Mr. Yankee wanted to open the Chorale's season with a light, enjoyable combination of music drawn from the prolific realm of work Mozart composed during his short 34-year-old life.

The strings set the tone for the opening of the program with Eine Kleine Nachtmusik. Generally translated as "a little night music," in German it literally means "a little serenade." Not published until well after Mozart's death, the serenade remains one of his most well-known orchestral works.

Obliging the Archbishop of Salzburg's wish that no Mass last more than three quarters of an hour, Mozart composed the Missa 'brevis e solemnis' in C, nicknamed the Sparrow Mass. At only age 19, this became a mid-life composition for Mozart. The nickname alludes to the chirping birdsong motif emanating from the violin's Sanctus.

The Magic Flute, an opera in two acts, was one of Mozart's final compositions. It premiered in 1791, and captures the fanciful tale of Tamino and Pamina as they seek to gain freedom from their oppressors. Select scenes will feature vocal soloists Rachele Schmiege, soprano; Meredith Ziegler, mezzo-soprano; Stefan Barner, tenor and Mark D. McGrath, baritone. These soloists will also take part in the Sparrow Mass.

A self-coined Mozart freak, Mr. Yankee wrote his graduate composition/theory thesis on The Magic Flute. He can tell you almost anything you might want to know about Mozart, including that his birthday is on January 27th and that Mozart never needed a piano to compose. "He heard everything in his head," Yankee marvels. His final words to anyone hoping to perform Mozart well: "You don't guess. It's Mozart. You read. You count. You practice."

Tickets are $25/in advance, $30 at the door, Students/$5. Prior to this first concert of the 2016-2017 season, discounted season tickets are available online. Purchase online at falmouthchorale.org or call 774-392-2383 for further information. Visit us on Facebook, at facebook.com/falmouthchorale/.

About The Falmouth Chorale

The mission of The Falmouth Chorale is to share with our audiences the joy of singing and to communicate with passion the marvelous and varied choral music that has been created over the centuries. Celebrating 53 years of performing choral music for audiences on the Upper Cape, the Falmouth Chorale has enjoyed membership of nearly 1000 passionate singers over its existence. Today, Artistic Director John Yankee leads the 65-voice ensemble. Sixteen members sing in the select Chamber Singers for community and private events. For more information, visit falmouthchorale.org, call 774-392-2383, or visit us on Facebook.

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