Russian Chamber Chorus of New York Coupons and Deals

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Over the course of more than twenty-five years, Russian Chamber Chorus of New York (RCCNY) has become America’s preeminent Russian vocal ensemble and one of the world’s greatest ambassadors of the Russian creative spirit. RCCNY’s 2012-2013 season honors the 140th birthday of Sergei Rachmaninoff. RCCNY invites you to the second concert in the continuing celebration of Rachmaninoff’s 140th birthday, which will include sacred and secular compositions that are among Rachmaninoff’s most beautiful — and least well known in the United States. About the Deal: $17.50 for Rachmaninoff Celebration Concert Tickets" ($25 Value) - April 24, 2013, 8:00 PM - Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church - 213 West 82nd Street, Manhattan About the Program: - Theotokos, Ever-Vigilant in Prayer, sacred choral concerto - Come, Let us Worship; Bless the Lord O My Soul; Gladsome Light; and Rejoice O Virgin (Selections from the “Vespers”) - Vocalise for cello, chorus, and piano (arr. Mikhail Zeiger): Adrian Daurov, cello; Mikhail Zeiger, piano - Six Choruses for Women’s Voices - Spring, cantata for chorus and baritone: Vagarshak Oganyan, baritone; Mikhail Zeiger, piano Program Notes: - Theotokos, Ever-Vigilant in Prayer (1893, op. 20) The voice of Rachmaninoff’s future genius can be clearly heard in the heartfelt melodies of this very early sacred composition for choir, written when he was 20 years old. Through simple means he achieves great emotional strength and dramatic tension, effectively using the expressive potential of the human voice. The Sacred Concerto genre is the freest form of composition for sacred texts; the composer’s intent is not constrained by the rituals of the church service. Texts are usually chosen by the composers. -_ Selections from Vespers_ The All-Night Vigil (Op. 37), for a cappella chorus, written and first performed in 1915, comprises text settings selected from the Russian Orthodox service. One of Rachmaninoff’s favorite pieces, it is hailed both as the greatest work by the composer as well as of the Russian Orthodox Church. -Vocalise Vocalise (Op. 34, No. 14) was originally written for voice (soprano or tenor) by Rachmaninoff and published in 1912 as the last of his Fourteen Songs. RCCNY’s Nikolai Kachanov commissioned this 2012 arrangement for choir, cello, and piano by Mikhail Zeiger, who performs here on piano. This piece is uniquely powerful in its expression of longing, tenderness, and hope, conveying a sincerity of feeling beyond words. This wordless song evokes feelings and remembrances through the mysterious melancholy of the haunting Vocalise. - Six Choruses for Women’s Voices This cycle of choral miniatures is not united by a uniform theme, but reflects the ethical and moral aspirations that inspired Russian art of that time. Rachmaninoff was only 22 years old when he composed this extraordinarily deep and emotionally complex song cycle that paints poetic images of nature. Patriotism mingles with subtle lyricism, loneliness with peaceful contemplation; innocence with a profound spirituality. - Spring, cantata This seldom-performed one-movement cantata, a setting of Nikolay Nekrasov’s poem Green Noise, was composed in 1902 and premiered on January 8, 1905 in St. Petersburg, with the famous Russian bass, Feodor Chaliapin, as the soloist. The cantata on spring renewal, embodied by Nekrasov’s socially resonant text and Rachmaninoff’s sensitive setting, was warmly received. It is imbued with Rachmaninoff’s unique spirit and depicts miraculous transformation and renewal of the soul. About Sergei Rachmaninoff: One of the most beloved musicians of the Romantic period, Rachmaninoff was born in Oreg, near Novgorod, and lived in St. Petersburg before pursuing his studies at the Moscow Conservatory with such well‐regarded teachers as Nikolay Zverev and Alexander Siloti. He left Russia after the 1917 Revolution. In addition to being a gifted composer and conductor, he was revered for his outstanding piano technique and mesmerizing performances. He became an American citizen just prior to his death. About Russian Chamber Chorus of New York: The Russian Chamber Chorus of New York was founded in 1984 by Artistic Director and Conductor Nikolai Kachanov. Known for its stylistic versatility, richness of sound and subtlety of expression, RCCNY commands a wide repertoire, from ancient liturgical chants to world premieres by leading contemporary composers. The Chorus’ mission is to promote intercultural awareness by commissioning, presenting, and recording new and unknown works for American audiences. About RCCNY’s Artistic Director: Founder and Artistic Director of the Russian Chamber Chorus of New York, Nikolai Kachanov was born in Russia in the Siberian city of Barnaul, capital of the Altai Region. He holds a Ph.D. in choral conducting from the Novosibirsk Conservatory and completed post‐doctoral studies at the Moscow Conservatory. In 1981, Maestro Kachanov moved to the United States with his wife, Tamara, and their son Pavel. In 1984, Nikolai and Tamara founded the Russian Chamber Chorus of New York. Kachanov is devoted to presenting new and underexposed works that illustrate Russia’s rich heritage and its contemporary spirit. As a result of his commitment, audiences have been introduced to the ancient chants previously banned in his homeland (and completely unknown in America). Do You Have Questions? Please e-mail tickets@myrussiandeal.com.