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- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Chamber Singers of Iowa City presents Joseph Haydn's The Creation
The 53rd season for Chamber Singers of Iowa City concludes our journey from darkness to light with a performance of Joseph Haydn's masterpiece, The Creation. Completed in 1798, this oratorio remains one of the most celebrated works in the Western music canon. Opening in a formless void of nothingness ('The Representation of Chaos,' as Haydn called the first section), the vast wonder of creation soon springs forth through the vivid, imaginative music. Shortly after the choir enters is one of the most stunning climaxes in all of Haydn's compositions: the moment when light is first created. The text is inspired by passages from the biblical books of Genesis and Psalms and from John Milton's epic poem, Paradise Lost. The music is some of Haydn's most ingenious, with rich tone painting representing roaring lions, singing birds, rushing waters, and beaming sunlight. Even today, The Creation remains one of the most musically fascinating marriages of scientific curiosity, religious reverence, and artistic imagination ever created. In the present time, facing ecological uncertainty and spiritual searching, Haydn's celebration of nature and the harmony of existence feels more vital than ever. Under the direction of music director David Puderbaugh, Chamber Singers' performance of The Creation will feature vocal soloists Jessica Pray Patel (soprano), Colin Wilson (tenor), and David Meyer (baritone), along with a chamber orchestra comprised of local and regional musicians. The performance is at 3 p.m., Sunday, June 8, in the Voxman Music Building Concert Hall. Adult tickets are $20, and student tickets are free. Tickets, which are issued electronically, can be purchased ahead of time or at the door. Please visit the Chamber Singers' ticketing website ( for more information and to make a purchase. Looking ahead, Chamber Singers of Iowa City anticipates an exciting 54th season. Are you interested in joining the ensemble in the fall? Information about Chamber Singers, the audition process, and a link to sign up for an audition can be found at Auditions will take place on July 27, 28, 31, and Aug. 4. Chamber Singers relies on the generous support of individuals and businesses throughout the community to continue providing quality choral music in Iowa City. By donating to a local non-profit like Chamber Singers, you make it possible for us to rent performance spaces, pay artists' salaries, purchase music, and keep tickets free for students. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your support and look forward to sharing and celebrating the unifying and transformative power of music in this holiday season and beyond. To make a gift, or to learn more about the ensemble, visit A sincere thanks to everyone who attended one of our concerts during this season. Because of you, we continue to spread joy through the power of music. We look forward to seeing you on June 8 and at our performances next season! Stay tuned for more information about the 2025-2026 concerts. Andrew Robinson is the assistant conductor for the Chamber Singers of Iowa City and a doctoral student in choral conducting at the University of Iowa. This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Chamber Singers of Iowa City presents Joseph Haydn's The Creation
Times
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
Jephtha review — Joyce DiDonato disappoints in uninspired Handel
Whatever is, is right. Such is the refrain in one of the most compelling stretches of Handel's final oratorio, based on the Old Testament tale of the Jewish commander's decision to mark a crucial victory by making a sacrifice of whomever he first sees on his return home. Unfortunately, it's his is, however, wasn't always right in this Barbican rendition, the fifth stop in the European tour of the baroque specialists Il Pomo d'Oro and their guest conductor Francesco Corti. Though the group has often toured with Handel before, Corti seems to forget that Handel in slow, grandiose mood needs a pulse just as much as the Handel of flying semi-quavers. The worst casualty was the 'whatever is' chorus: it arrived half dead.
