As per the recommendation from Governor Walz as well as a desire to ensure the health and safety of all our performers and patrons, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the April 4th Mendelssohns performance. If you are a ticket buyer, click here to let us know your intentions for your tickets.

 

Musical talent often runs in families, and one of history’s most talented set of siblings were the Mendelssohns—Felix and Fanny. Connected by their extraordinary gifts and love for music, they developed a close relationship that endured from birth to death. Hear their music side-by-side in this celebration of Felix and Fanny’s marvelous musical creations.

Tickets are also available as part of a 2019-20 Concert Series Subscription.

Program

• Psalm 42, Op. 42 by Felix Mendelssohn
• Lobgesang by Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel / 10 min
• Solo songs by Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel / 10 min
• O Herbst by Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel
• Schöne Fremde by Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel
• Hymn of Praise mvt. 4 by Felix Mendelssohn / 40 min

Performers

• VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers
• Chamber Orchestra
• Philip Brunelle, conductor
• G. Phillip Shoultz, III, conductor

Three Things to Know

• Felix would submit his compositions to his big sister, and, taking her critical advice to heart, he regularly made the changes she suggested. It’s not surprising that Felix referred to Fanny as “Minerva,” likening her to the Roman goddess of wisdom.
• Felix and Fanny were both gifted children. When Fanny was 13, she memorized all 24 Preludes from Bach’s The Well-Tempered Clavier in less than a week. Hailed by many as a “second Mozart,” by age 15 Felix had written his first symphony for full orchestra.
• During a tour to England, Felix had a private meeting with Queen Victoria. She loved his music dearly, and sang her favorite song of his, Italien, for the composer. When the queen finished singing, Felix had to confess it was not he, but Fanny who had written this song.

Concert Program

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