Upcoming Performances
The South's Breath–Latin American Instruments on a Musical Heritage Journey
Latin American Chamber Music
South America's Colonial music was characterized by a profound fusion of indigenous, European, and African musical elements, combining to create new sounds and styles. Featured in a unique ensemble with Andean and traditional classical instruments, we present transcriptions and arrangements of early compositions and folk themes of the New World to contemporary fusion of Andean and European music, from Manuel de Zumaya and Antonio Sarrier, to 20th cent. themes by the Chilean folk ensemble Illapu, and the Bolivian band Los Kjarkas.
Gonzalo Cortés, quena, zampoña, and flute, Carlos Boltes, charango and viola, Christine Gevert, virginal and percussion
The Musical Journey of International Baroque Opera Star Nicholas Tamagna
Solo Recital *A BENEFIT CONCERT*
Step into the world of internationally acclaimed counter- tenor, Nicholas Tamagna, as he presents a unique recital featuring highlights from his distinguished career. Through a carefully curated program including works by Handel, Vivaldi, Monteverdi, Purcell, and Broschi, Tamagna shares the story of his artistic evolution, from his beginnings as a young piano student to his flourishing career as a Baroque opera soloist across Europe and the U.S.
Nicholas Tamagna (Oldenburg, Germany), countertenor, Christine Gevert, harpsichord
The Bach Experience–Choral Music for the Spirit
Baroque Oratorio
Bach's Christmas Cantata "Sweet Comfort" BWV 151, his Mass in G minor BWV 235, and festive 16th century double choir motets. In this program we explore the convergence of vibrant Italian polychoral splendor and the venerable German chorale tradition in works by Johann Sebastian Bach's German predecessors Schröter, Weissensee, Otto, and Schein. At the heart of this program lies the profound genius of Johann Sebastian Bach, whose innovative and deeply moving vocal compositions embody the pinnacle of these magnificent styles.
Crescendo Chorus, soprano Jennifer Tyo, countertenor Nicholas Tamagna, tenor Pablo Bustos, bass-baritone Peter Becker, Crescendo Period Instrument Orchestra (Edson Scheid, concertmaster) directed by Christine Gevert
A Tapestry of Traditions: Unraveling the History of Christmas Carols
Holiday Concert
Did you know that ancient celebrations of the winter solstice are the beginnings of our beloved Holiday Carols? In this program we explore the origins and development of Carols and Christmas songs that evolved over centuries, and were adapted to different cultures. Audience members will be invited to participate in singing some of the familiar Holiday Songs
Crescendo Chorus and Vocal Ensemble Singers, with Christine Gevert, organ and direction
A Baroque Portrait: Élisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre
New Year's Solo Recital: Female Composers (France)
Sonatas for solo violin and basso continuo, and Suite in D minor for harpsichord by the French Baroque composer Élisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre. She stands out as a unique figure in the history of music, recognized as one of the few prominent female composers of her era. Her distinction goes beyond her gender; she also defied the norms of the time by composing in a broad range of forms and genres. Jacquet de la Guerre's works will be complemented by Caprices for solo violin by Louis-Gabriel Guillemain.
Edson Scheid (New York), baroque violin, Christine Gevert, harpsichord
La Cecchina – The Songbird
Solo Recital: Female Composers (Italy)
Works for voice, lute, and virginal by the 17th cent. Italian composer Francesca Caccini. Caccini was a celebrated singer, lutenist, composer, poet, and music teacher of the early Baroque era. She is recognized as the first woman to compose opera. Her opera, "La liberazione di Ruggiero dall'isola d'Alcina", is one of the few of her works that survive today. The selection of vocal works on this program is from Il primo libro delle musiche (1618). Her solo songs are full of dramatic harmonic surprises, and melodically fluid melismas.
Salomé Sandoval, mezzo soprano and lute, and Christine Gevert, virginal and organ
Stepping into Song A Choral Performance of Tango's Rhythmic Spirit with Martín Palmeri's Misatango and "Jüdische Kantate"* (Jewish Cantata) *U.S. Premiere
Choral Sounds of Latin America
The Misa a Buenos Aires (Misatango), is a groundbreaking work by Argentine composer Martín Palmeri that blends the dramatic rhythm of tango with the powerful expression of choral music. It is a setting of the mass in Latin, and the music uses the style of the 'nuevo tango', following the model of Astor Piazzolla, and includes elements from the history of church music, such as extended fugues in the opening and closing movements. In similar style is Palmeri's "Jüdische Kantate," composed in 2022: variations on Yiddish and Hebrew songs on texts from the Old Testament in the original language, and in Latin.
Crescendo Chorus, soprano Nadia Aguilar, Rodolfo Marcelo Zanetti, bandoneon, and an instrumental ensemble with clarinet, piano, and strings, directed by Christine Gevert
Baroque Brilliance: Bach's Motets in Concert
Baroque Music for a Vocal Ensemble
While not composed as a set, these six motets BWV 225- 230 are considered to be among the pinnacles of the choral repertoire. All were written for St. Thomas Church in Leipzig, where Bach was director of music. Four of the six were written for funeral services of prominent Leipzig citizens, and are scored for double chorus without instrumental accompaniment. Bach took the traditional motet and elevated it into a more ambitious, multi- movement choral concerto, expanding the boundaries of the genre. Beyond their technical brilliance these motets express a unique emotional and theological depth.
Crescendo Vocal Ensemble, organ, directed by Christine Gevert
Wanda Landowska's World
Solo Recital Honoring a Legendary Female Musician
Experience the genius of Wanda Landowska, the legendary keyboard player who brought Baroque harpsichord music back to life. Discover how the harpsichord expresses the personal and national styles of composers like François Couperin and Domenico Scarlatti, among others, all orbiting the central brilliance of Bach, as illuminated by Landowska's pioneering artistry. Delve into her revolutionary ideas concerning musical understanding, the legacy of Johann Sebastian Bach, the distinctions between early and modern music, the significance of the harpsichord, and the performer-audience relationship.
Christine Gevert, harpsichord
Crescendo At Home
Virtual Concerts On-Demand NOW
Latest recordings:
Recorded: May 11, 2025
Body & Soul: Cavalieri's Rappresentatione
Recorded: December 29, 2024
Bach-Circle: Christmas Oratorios and Contemporary Female Voices
Recorded: October 6, 2024
Nature in Vivaldi's Sounds: Concertos for Violin, Flute, and Two Mandolins
Now you can watch Crescendo's concerts at home at any time with our virtual concert portal – Crescendo at Home!
We want to keep choral and baroque music experiences alive not only during the pandemic, but also for your pleasure, comfort and for anyone who is not able to attend concerts in person.
Recorded in high quality audio by former Carnegie Hall engineer Leszek Wojcik, and filmed in high definition by Charlette Media Productions, we offer you an experience that is similar to being there in person. It even brings you closer to the performers than you ever would in a live concert.
Watch, and share with your family and friends! Subscribe to our e-Newsletter for news on upcoming Crescendo at Home programming.
