Jamie Barton, mezzo-soprano
Matthew Lipman, viola
Tamar Sanikidze, piano
In a Celebrity Series first, the thrilling combination of a mezzo-soprano, a violist, and a pianist share the stage for a program featuring Romantic-era classics and culminating in the Boston premiere of a Celebrity Series co-commission by Joel Thompson written for the ensemble.
American mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton, considered one of the brightest stars in opera, provides striking vocals as renowned violist Matthew Lipman and critically acclaimed pianist Tamar Sanikidze complete the trio of well-matched and generously collaborative musicians. Ineffable moments of drama and beauty will fill the concert hall with works by Clara Schumann and Johannes Brahms before the program concludes with a yet-to-be titled Music Accord co-commission by composer, conductor, and pianist Joel Thompson.
Program Details
Explore the program, and hear a podcast episode about the poem that inspired Joel Thompson's new work "On Mars"
Program note coming soon
Program note coming soon
Program note coming soon
Program note coming soon
Program note coming soon
Program note coming soon
A note from the composer:
Dear Listener,
It’s a struggle to describe exactly why Ariana Benson’s poetry speaks to my soul– it just does. I’ve read her first book, Black Pastoral, several times this year– each poem revealing more of itself (and myself) in each re-reading. There are many poems in this collection that I dare not bother with my music as they are perfect just as they are, but On Mars immediately sang to me right off the page. Why? It’s futile to try to explain the alchemical. But, I suppose that, while this Earth slowly burns and its most powerful governments seem intent on war and genocide and metastatically feeding off of our despair, it makes sense that I’d be drawn to Benson’s subtle urgings to hold onto hope by allowing my imagination to extend beyond the bounds of this atmosphere. Her words remind me and many other Black Americans that it is a revolutionary act to imagine a place that truly feels like home. It is a revolutionary act to dream of a life unfettered by concerns of brutality, poverty and prejudice. It is a revolutionary act to seek (and hold on to) our peace. I hope this piece functions not only as a reminder that our imaginations are fundamental tools for our collective liberation but I also hope these songs serve as an invitation for us to use them as we seek a more just future.
With love,
jt
November 2024
A note from the composer:
Dear Listener,
It’s a struggle to describe exactly why Ariana Benson’s poetry speaks to my soul– it just does. I’ve read her first book, Black Pastoral, several times this year– each poem revealing more of itself (and myself) in each re-reading. There are many poems in this collection that I dare not bother with my music as they are perfect just as they are, but On Mars immediately sang to me right off the page. Why? It’s futile to try to explain the alchemical. But, I suppose that, while this Earth slowly burns and its most powerful governments seem intent on war and genocide and metastatically feeding off of our despair, it makes sense that I’d be drawn to Benson’s subtle urgings to hold onto hope by allowing my imagination to extend beyond the bounds of this atmosphere. Her words remind me and many other Black Americans that it is a revolutionary act to imagine a place that truly feels like home. It is a revolutionary act to dream of a life unfettered by concerns of brutality, poverty and prejudice. It is a revolutionary act to seek (and hold on to) our peace. I hope this piece functions not only as a reminder that our imaginations are fundamental tools for our collective liberation but I also hope these songs serve as an invitation for us to use them as we seek a more just future.
With love,
jt
November 2024
Composer Joel Thompson cites Ariana Benson's 2023 poem "On Mars" as the inspiration for the vocal work created for this ensemble.
Listen to an episode of The Slowdown poetry podcast where host Major Jackson considers a celestial experience and reads the poem. (Transcript available)
Composer Joel Thompson cites Ariana Benson's 2023 poem "On Mars" as the inspiration for the vocal work created for this ensemble.
Listen to an episode of The Slowdown poetry podcast where host Major Jackson considers a celestial experience and reads the poem. (Transcript available)
“Although Barton is rapidly establishing herself as one of the most important young voices in opera, it is in the intimate space of the recital hall where she shines brightest. Barton’s innate charm and communicative urgency radiated through her amber-hued voice and warm, Mona Lisa-smile directly to the audience. ”
The New York Times
“[Matthew Lipman has] splendid technique and musical sensitivity...a warm, burnished, singing tone... Mark well Matthew Lipman's name: you'll be hearing a lot more of him in the years to come. ”
The Chicago Tribune
Featured Artists
Videos
“In Song,” Jamie Barton shares her Appalachian roots in her Georgia hometown
“In Song,” Jamie Barton shares her Appalachian roots in her Georgia hometown
Jordan Hall Information
This performance is an Aaron Richmond Recital, endowed by Nancy Richmond Winsten and the late Dr. Joseph Winsten.
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