Portraits of Purcell

A co-production between Arion Baroque Orchestra and the Studio de musique ancienne de Montréal

After the holidays, come the good resolutions. Expect more and more fun in music for this beginning of the year concert dedicated to the incomparable English composer, Henry Purcell. For the occasion, Arion will perform with the Studio de musique ancienne de Montréal, a choir acclaimed for the “hypnotic beauty” of its performances, conducted by its Artistic Director Andrew McAnerney.

Andrew McAnerney was raised in the British choral tradition and studied music at the University of Oxford (Magdalen College). He has enjoyed a varied career as a conductor, consort singer, soloist and arranger. Since moving to Canada in 2013, Andrew has worked with a range of professional choirs and orchestras including Ensemble Caprice, Chamber Players of Canada, Elora Festival Singers, Choeur Louisbourg, and La Rose des Vents and was appointed artistic director of the Studio de musique ancienne de Montréal in 2015.

A former Tallis Scholar, Andrew McAnerney has performed with many of Europe’s finest early music ensembles and is credited on over 50 recordings including the music of Bach, Brumel, Clemens non Papa, Crequillon, Gombert, Handel, Lassus, Lotti, Morales, Moulu, Mozart, Palestrina, Phinot, Purcell and Rore. Laudate dominum is his début CD with the Studio.

“I enjoy history, and I find the historical context of Baroque music fascinating. King Charles II wanted to re-introduce music to the court following England’s civil war, and Purcell was one of his favoured composers. The beauty of Purcell’s music was ideal.”

“Purcell was an accomplished musician, and you’ll find his music in this concert is very accessible. It’s almost like you’ve heard it before, it’s that comfortable. Plus – we have sixteen of the best singers in Montreal in le Studio.”

Andrew continues; “This is our first time working with Arion and Claire Guimond. We have a fantastic professional choir and a fantastic baroque orchestra for a concert that will be like a dream come true”.

Andrew is passionate about musical excellence and accessibility. He regularly prepares his own early music performance scores from original sources and is fascinated with presenting rediscovered works.

The one-hour premiere concert in on Thursday, January 10, followed by performances on January 11 at 8pm; Saturday, the 12th at 4pm; and Sunday the 13th at 2pm in the afternoon. For tickets please visit their user-friendly website: www.arionbaroque.com or call: 514-355-1825 Enjoy!

Henry Purcell (1659-1695)

Concert program
Thou knowest Lord, Z58C
Choir a capella
Hear my Prayer, Z15
Choir a capella
Jehova, quam multi sunt hostes mei Z.135
Choir and basso continuo
Abdelazar Suite ou Moor’s revenge, Z570
Overture, Rondeau hornpipe, Air, Air, Minuet, Air, Jig, Hornpipe, Air
Strings and basso continuo
Rejoice in the Lord always, Z49
Choir, strings and basso continuo

-Intermission-

 O sing unto the Lord, Z44 choir and strings
Choir, strings and basso continuo
Chacony in G minor Z730
Strings and basso continuo
Ode on St Cecilia’s day Z339 choir and strings
Choir, strings and basso continuo

Premiere Series, Thursday, Jan 10 :
Hear my Prayer, Z15
Choir a capella
Jehova, quam multi sunt hostes mei Z.135
Choir and basso continuo
Abdelazar Suite ou Moor’s revenge, Z570
Overture, Rondeau hornpipe, Air, Air, Minuet, Air, Jig, Hornpipe, Air
Strings and basso continuo
O sing unto the Lord, Z44 choir and strings
Choir, strings and basso continuo
Ode on St Cecilia’s day Z339 choir and strings
Choir, strings and basso continuo