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Arcadia Players to present gala organ concert

Date: 2/11/2009

By Lori Szepelak

Correspondent



HOLYOKE As the Arcadia Players wind down their 20th anniversary season, artistic director Ian Watson takes center stage for a gala organ concert on Feb. 21 at United Congregational Church.

Arcadia Players is a professional ensemble of musicians whose repertoire focuses on the music of the 17th and 18th centuries and whose instruments and performance practices reflect the spirit and style of the period in which the music was composed.

"This concert is an opportunity for those who enjoy organ music to hear a distinguished organist performing on a large-scale, colorful and versatile instrument," Priscilla Drucker, marketing committee, Arcadia Players, said.

Drucker explained during an interview with Reminder Publications that Watson served as organist of St. Margaret's, Westminster Abbey, as well as music director of several other London churches. He has also toured and recorded as organist with renowned ensembles including the Monteverdi Choir. Currently, Watson is the music director at St. Paul's Cathedral in Worcester.

"He brings the same dynamic quality to his organ performances that one hears when he conducts," Drucker added. "He has a gift for infusing all kinds of repertory with a vigor that draws in his audience."

Drucker noted that the sanctuary organ that Watson will play is a large, wide-ranging instrument built by the Ernest M. Skinner firm. Its 70 ranks of pipes encompass the full spectrum of the symphonic organ, enriching the fundamental tones with the sounds of oboes, clarinets, trumpets and other orchestral instruments.

"The reed sounds were a specialty of Ernest Skinner," Drucker said. "The organ was expertly restored in the early 1990s by Messrs. Czelusniak et Dugal Inc. of Northampton."

At press time, Drucker said Watson was fine-tuning his repertoire but she expects the program to include music by Handel, as well as music by the late 19th-century composer Charles Villiers Stanford.

A post-concert reception will follow the 3 p.m. performance. Hors d'oeuvres, baked goods and beverages will be offered.

Advance tickets are $20 for general admission, $30 for preferred seating and $10 for students. Tickets at the door are $5 more with the exception for students. For tickets and more information, call 534-8888.

The Arcadia Players close out the season with the program titled "Israel in Egypt" on April 18 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Northampton.

"Israel in Egypt" is a choral oratorio that tells the story of the Exodus, with texts taken from the Book of Exodus and the Psalms, according to Drucker.

"It is a well-known story, full of dramatic events that inspired Handel to choruses filled with longing and then with praise and thanksgiving, as vivid musical portrayals of the plagues," Drucker said.

Drucker noted that the oratorio should appeal to those who enjoy choral music, as it is scored mainly for the chorus, who represent the Israelites.

"Handel scored some of their music for double (divided) chorus, creating rich and varied textures and allowing for dramatic exchanges," she added. "The musical telling of this story may have special meaning for Jews, who will just have celebrated Passover, but it is also central to African-American history and certainly has resonance for many others as well."

Advance tickets are $25 for general admission, $35 for preferred seating, and $10 for students. Door prices are $5 more with the exception for students.

For more information on the Arcadia Players, as well as volunteer opportunities, visit www.arcadiaplayers.org.