Calliope in the News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Calliope, Boston’s growing collaborative choral / orchestral ensemble, to present benefit concert for
The Asperger’s Association of New England
02/05/2011 – BOSTON, MA – Calliope, Boston’s collaborative choral/orchestral ensemble, will conclude their fourth season - PIOUS AND PROFANE – with a benefit concert for the Asperger’s Association of New England on Saturday, February 5th, 2011 at 7:30 PM at Old West Church, 131 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA. Individual tickets for this performance can be purchased for $40 (premium seating), $35 (general admission), and $25 (seniors and students) in advance through Calliope’s website: www.calliopemusic.org or by calling 617-759-2057, as well as at the door on the day of the performance. Discounted rates are available for groups of 10 or more. Old West Church is T accessible. In addition, parking is available for 50 cents with a validated parking ticket at the Charles River Plaza underground garage (note: patrons must exit the garage within 30 minutes of the concert’s conclusion to receive this special rate).
The second in a two part concert series, this program will focus on music reflecting the profane - contempt, vulgarity, abuse of the sacred, and desecration. It is planned to open with Menotti’s The Death of the Bishop of Brindisi featuring baritone Joseph Horton as the bishop. The King of Sorrows from Jospeh Martin’s cantata A Time for Alleluia, A Weekend in the Country from Sondheim’s A Little Night Music and selections from Orff’s Carmina Burana are also planned for this program.
The Asperger’s Association of New England seeks to foster awareness, respect, acceptance, and support for individuals with Asperger Syndrome and related conditions and their families. While their primary mission is to assist individuals affected by Asperger Syndrome, the AANE is an inclusive organization that also serves people who have other neurological differences or who feel our services would be helpful. Individuals do not need to have a professional diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome in order to benefit from the AANE’s services.
In a time when many arts organizations are struggling to survive, Calliope, a nonprofit, volunteer music organization of over 75 singers and instrumentalists serving Boston and surrounding communities, is growing. Just this season the number of participating singers has doubled, including the addition of five singers from Connecticut who recently discovered the ensemble.
Directed by its founder, Julia O’Toole, Calliope seeks to encourage collaboration between musicians, promote positive social change, and inspire young people to become listeners and participants in the world of music. Its musicians bring a great variety of choral and instrumental training and experience to their music making. Many also perform with such organizations as Back Bay Chorale, Berkshire Choral Festival, Boston Opera Collaborative, Cambridge Community Chorus, Cambridge Symphony Orchestra, Civic Symphony, Commonwealth School Orchestra, Charles River Wind Ensemble, Dedham Choral Society, Devil Music Ensemble, Elizabeth Seton Academy, Greater Boston Flute Consortium, Mass Theatrica, Masterworks Chorale, Metropolitan Wind Symphony, New England Conservatory, Newton Choral Society, Northeastern Choral Consortium, OperaHub, Oriana Consort, Sharon Community Chamber Orchestra, Tanglewood Festival Chorus, The Jumblies, Willow Flute Ensemble, and Worcester Opera Works. All soloists featured on this program are members of Calliope.
Since graduating from Boston University with a BFA in vocal performance, Ms. O’Toole has studied conducting with Scott Allen Jarrett and voice with Brett Johnson, Daniel Wyneken, Sharon Daniels and Jonathan Barnhart; she is currently pursuing an advanced degree in Musicology at Brandeis University. Julia is a voice teacher who instructs singers of all ages. Her studio includes adults and students at several private area high schools. She also substitutes as conductor for local organizations.
As has become tradition, a raffle and auction will be held during intermission at this performance as part of ongoing efforts to support the Calliope’s future.
To find out more about Calliope or this upcoming performance visit www.calliopemusic.org or contact:
Julia O’Toole
617-759-2057
juliarotoole@gmail.com
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