2009 American Handel Festival coming to Centre

RELEASED: February 19, 2009

DANVILLE, KY—Scholars and enthusiasts of the composer George Frideric Handel (1685–1759) from across the United States and England will soon arrive at Centre College to celebrate the semiannual American Handel Festival. The festival will take place Feb. 26-March 1 and will mark the 250th anniversary of the composer's death.

The three-day conference will include performances, conference paper sessions and other lectures and presentations by world-renowned musicians and scholars.

Registration information: To visit the festival website, which includes a full schedule of events, a registration form, registration fees and more information on all events, including times and locations, click here.

The following is a listing of the performances that will take place during the festival. Conference registration is not required to attend these performances. Some performances are free, while others require a purchased ticket.

Friday, Feb. 27, 8 p.m., Danville Presbyterian Church

A free recital will take place featuring organist and harpsichordist Schuyler Robinson performing a variety of keyboard music. Two Centre musicians will join Dr. Robinson: trumpeter and Matton Professor of Music Vince DiMartino and flautist Jana Flygstad. The approximately hour-long program will include a suite based on Handel's beloved Water Music, an organ concerto, a harpsichord suite and a flute sonata.

Saturday, Feb. 28, 8 p.m., Newlin Hall, Norton Center for the Arts

Saturday night features a performance of the ode L'Allegro, il Penseroso, ed it Moderato, which Handel set to an adaptation of poetry by John Milton. Organized under the direction of Stodghill Professor of Music Dr. Barbara Hall and conducted by Steve Pederson, it will feature a variety of vocal soloists, ranging from professional singers to Centre alumni and faculty to current students performing some of Handel's loveliest arias and choruses. Tickets are required for this performance. To purchase tickets to this event, click here. Group rates are available; please contact Nathan Link at (859) 238-5430 for further details.

Dr. Ruth Smith will give an illuminating pre-concert lecture in Weisiger Theatre beginning at 7 p.m. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Sunday, March 1, 3 p.m., Weisiger Theatre, Norton Center for the Arts

The festival will close with a performance by the celebrated Philadelphia-based Tempesta di Mare,who will perform an all-Handel program on period instruments. Tickets are required for this performance. To purchase tickets to this event, click here.

Those interested in attending the conference paper sessions or lectures or who would like more information about the festival or the Handel Society are encouraged to visit the festival Web site or contact Nathan Link, Centre Assistant Professor of Music, at (859) 238-5430 or nathan.link@centre.edu.

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