Bedford Chamber Concerts Presents World Premiere of Anthony Newman’s Angel Oratorio

Bedford Chamber Concerts presents Angel Oratorio, an original choral and orchestral work, composed by renowned musician Anthony Newman and Mozart’s Mass in D (K194) on Wednesday, May 9, at 8:00pm.

Lloyd Moss of WQXR praised the Angel Oratorio calling it, “… a work in the time-honored tradition of baroque masters, that in its brilliant harmonies speaks eloquently to todays audiences.  I have no doubt it will be a part of our timeless musical literature.”

Originally composed in 1998 this performance will mark the world premiere of the complete and revised work.  Conceived in three parts, the dramatic structure of the composition rests in texts of the Torah, the New Testament and the Book of Enoch, as well as the writings of John Milton, William Shakespeare and William Blake.   With these texts as a foundation, the music explores our historic and iconic understanding of angels in their many incarnations.

Mozart’s Mass in D, written in 1774, is a youthful work that reflects both his experience with Italian opera as well as the preference of his patron, the Archbishop of Salzburg, to keep musical performances of the Mass brief.

Anthony Newman is an internationally recognized keyboardist and composer.  His compositions of the last 30 years have covered a uniquely broad range including symphonies, solo concertos for piano, viola and organ, chamber music, keyboard and guitar pieces and many vocal and choral works and have received praise from the likes of Lukas Foss, “fascinating…..bravo,” and Billy Joel, “This is gorgeous music.”

Both pieces will be performed by the Musica Antiqua, New York chorus and the Bedford Chamber Ensemble conducted by Mary Jane Newman.  Ms. Newman’s talents as a conductor and keyboardist are widely recognized in the U.S. and Europe.  In addition to Musica Antiqua, New York she has served as conductor for Voci Angeli, Collegium Antiqua, the Brandenburg Collegium, the European Mozart Academy Orchestra in Praque and Cracow and PARTHENIA XII.  Ms. Newman has recorded prodigiously.

Number one on the list of Bedford Magazine’s Fabulous 50 things to see in Bedford, Bedford Chamber Concerts, has played to enthusiastic audiences from throughout the region for over ten years. 

BCC concerts take place in the beautiful and acoustically superior Fellowship Hall of St. Matthew’s Church, 382 Cantitoe Street in Bedford.  Refreshments are served during intermission and are included in the $40 ticket price.  Student tickets are available for $20 at the door with the presentation of current student identification.  To purchase tickets or for more information visit www.bedfordchamberconcerts.org or call 914-522-5150.