By Daily Press staff
The Santa Monica College music department plans to present a three-day celebration of the works of famed Baroque composer George F. Handel, featuring vocal selections, chamber music and orchestral music.
Concerts — all free — are scheduled for April 26, 28 and 30 in the SMC Concert Hall, 1900 Pico Blvd.
The “Tribute to George F. Handel” brings together the talent of SMC professors, students, alumni and guest artists, all under the direction of SMC music professor James Martin.
This is the fifth such celebration devoted to a single composer. In the past, concerts have been organized around the works of such composers as Bach and Beethoven, and this fall, Chopin will be honored. The programs include a scholarly component, with talks about the composers.
“There’s more depth, more chance to get to know the composer,” Martin said. The concerts are: ■ Tuesday, April 26 at 11:15 a.m.: Handel’s Vocal Music, featuring selections from “Acis and Galatea.” The program will begin with a lecture/slide show presented by SMC music professor emeritus Don Richardson and with a piano recital of “The Harmonious Blacksmith” by SMC music professor Rhoda Tuit. ■ Thursday, April 28 at 11:15 a.m.: Handel’s Chamber Music, with an introduction by SMC music professor Frank Turner. ■ Saturday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m.: Handel’s Orchestral Music, with three featured soloists — harpist Marnie Boyd, an SMC student; mezzo-soprano Meera Mugrage, an SMC student; and soprano Linda Jackson. The program will include selections from “The Messiah” and “Concerto Grosso.”
The program is underwritten by the SMC Foundation. For information, call (310) 434-4323.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 25, 2005. Read the original PDF.