Jamie Barton, mezzo-soprano

Matthew Lipman, viola

Tamar Sanikidze, piano

NEC's Jordan Hall

Sat. January 25, 8:00 PM

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.

Clara Schumann | Six Lieder, Op. 13
Johannes Brahms | Sonata in E-flat Major for viola and piano, Op. 120, no. 2
Johannes Brahms | Two Songs for voice, viola, and piano, Op. 91
Joel Thompson | New work (Celebrity Series co-commission)

“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