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Press Releases
Classical Movements Announces Socially-Distanced Halloween Events and 22 Outdoor Holiday Concerts in Alexandria
FOR RELEASE: October 12, 2020
Alexandria, VA
Classical Movements Announces Holiday Concert Series:
“Sounds of Joy and Light”
Outdoor Socially-Distance Music for the Holidays
22 Festive Concerts in a Magical, Illuminated Garden Setting
Halloween | Thanksgiving | Hannukah | Kwanzaa | Christmas
Tuesdays and Saturdays
On Saturday, June 20 Classical Movements became the first to present live classical music since the pandemic hit the United States, in a socially-distanced, outdoor setting for three sold-out concerts of chamber music featuring musicians from the National Symphony and other local ensembles. Classical Movements has since presented 23 concerts for 926 audience members in the Secret Garden at The Rectory, our home in Old Town Alexandria. Over the course of this series of 9 chamber music concerts, 6 recitals of opera and art song, 2 choral concerts and 2 cabaret concerts, Classical Movements engaged 74 performers, of which 31 were women and 21 performers of color, and programmed 94 different works by 88 composers, including 33 living composers.
Following this model of outdoor, socially-distanced performance, Classical Movements is delighted to announce its new series “Sounds of Joy and Light,” featuring 22 exceptional outdoor programs celebrating Halloween, Thanksgiving and the winter season. With a continued commitment to thoughtful programming, excellent musicianship and comprehensive safety, Classical Movements will transform the Secret Garden into a wonderland of light for holiday programs in December, offering complimentary photo stations and hot beverages upon exiting.
Tricks and Treats for Halloween in the Secret Garden
Parents anxious to find an alternative to trick-or-treating will be delighted by Classical Movements’ first family-oriented afternoon program of magic and music, featuring grand illusionist Musico the Magnificent, alias Drew Owen, also an accomplished cellist who has performed with the National Symphony, Baltimore Symphony and Washington National Opera. The performance will also feature a special guest appearance by Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra violist Elizabeth Pulju-Owen.
That evening, older listeners may choose to add a Carnival masque to their protective face coverings as musicians from the National Symphony return to the Secret Garden for an elegant Halloween celebration inspired by Venice. Violinist Marissa Regni and other string players from the NSO will present a gorgeous program by Italian composers, including Vivaldi’s “Autumn” Concerto from the Four Seasons, Puccini’s “Cristantemi” and Rossini’s Overture to The Barber of Seville.
In addition to the engaging programs, attendees to all concerts will have the opportunity to win costume prizes and to take photos at our socially-distanced photo station. Children attending the afternoon’s program will receive individually wrapped and sanitized goodies on their way out; at the evening’s concerts, audience members may take a complimentary hot beverage as they exit.
An Enchanted Holiday Garden
“Sounds of Joy and Light” will return for a distinctively American program by The Ken & Brad Kolodner Trio on Saturday, November 21. This program celebrates Thanksgiving with idiomatic music for hammered dulcimer and banjo, joined by upright bassist Alex Lacquement.
Then in December, the Secret Garden will transform into a wonderland of lights and festive decorations to usher in musical celebrations of the holiday season. Beginning with a return performance by Awa Sal Secka and Christian Douglas following their sold-out concerts in September, returning musicians from the National Symphony and the Choir of Hope & Harmony and new musicians and celebrated local ensembles will present unique programs of holiday fare – including Christmas motets from the Renaissance, contemporary Hannukah songs, Russian folk music for traditional instruments, celebrated arrangements for brass quartet and many others.
In addition to the superb musical programs and enchanting venue, attendees will have the opportunity to take pictures at a socially-distanced photo station and will be offered a complimentary hot beverage as they exit.
Audience members are encouraged to dress warmly; limited heating will be provided by heat lamps, space heaters and small fire pits.
Live Music in the Time of Social Distancing
Classical Movements continues its innovative concert model to ensure the safety and comfort of performers, audience and staff.
Seating will be provided for concerts, with chairs wiped down and disinfected between performances. Chairs will have at least six feet between individual or family groups. To maximize social distancing, seating will be assigned by the presenters; tickets and concert programs will be provided by email. Audiences are required to wear a mask at all times in the Secret Garden Hand-sanitization stations will be available for audiences as they arrive and exit.
Concerts will be presented on Tuesday and Saturday evenings at 5pm and 6:30pm, or on Saturday afternoons at 1pm and 2:30pm. In case of severe weather, the rain date will be the following day at the same times, Wednesday or Sunday respectively.
Sounds of Joy and Light
Saturday, October 31st, 2020:
“Musico the Magnificent Presents the Magic of Music” – Halloween Family Program
1pm | 2:30pm
Drew Owen, magician and cello | Elizabeth Pulju-Owen, special guest viola
Fun for the whole family when musical wizard Musico the Magnificent and special guest astonish and amuse with stunning feats of magic and phenomenal music for cello; also featuring costume prizes, socially distanced photo station and sanitized, no-contact treats
“A Venetian Halloween” – Chamber Music
5pm | 6:30pm
Members of the National Symphony Orchestra:
Marissa Regni, violin and String Quartet
The Secret Garden travels to Venice for a spellbinding program by string players from the National Symphony Orchestra; add a Carnival masque to your face covering for an elegant Halloween with gorgeous music, including the “Autumn” Concerto from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Puccini’s “Crisantemi” and other Italian composers
Saturday, November 21, 2020: “Americana Afternoon” – Folk Music for Thanksgiving
2pm | 3:30pm
The Ken & Brad Kolodner Trio
Ken Kolodner, hammered dulcimer | Brad Kolodner, banjo | Alex Lacquement, upright bass
Welcome Thanksgiving with a uniquely American program that celebrates the traditions of American music and crosses the boundaries of Old-Time, Bluegrass and American Roots music
Tuesday, December 1, 2020: “A Starlit Holiday Cabaret”
5pm | 6:30pm
Awa Sal Secka & Christian Douglas, vocalists | Dan Campolieta, piano
Ring in the festive season with a program of seasonal and holiday classics by the duo of dynamic vocalists, returning for another electrifying evening of jazz, musical theatre and popular favorites for the season
Saturday, December 5, 2020: “A Renaissance Winter” – Olde Musicke for the Season
5pm | 6:30pm
Sara MacKimmie, soprano | Julie Bosworth, soprano | Janna Critz, mezzo-soprano | Benjamin Hawker, tenor | Corbin Phillips, baritone
Sublime music, including motets from the Renaissance and arrangements of classic carols, performed by an intimate ensemble of professional singers
Tuesday, December 8, 2020: “A British Brass Holiday”
5pm | 6:30pm
Members of the National Symphony Orchestra:
William Gerlach, trumpet | Amy McCabe, guest trumpet | David Murray, trombone | Matthew Guilford, bass trombone
A quintessential holiday experience, as you’ve never seen it before; great music inspired by the rich tradition of British holiday music for brass quartet
Saturday, December 12, 2020: “A Song for the Season” – Opera Arias and Festive Art Songs
1pm | 2:30pm
Musicians to be announced
Seasonal art songs and arias from Christmas- and winter-themed operas celebrate the season
Saturday, December 12, 2020: “Christmas in Russia and Around the World”
5pm | 6:30pm
Musalliance Duo
Peter Omelchenko, domra and balalaika | Anna Kusner, guitar
A delightful selection of familiar and uncommon holiday folk music from Russia, Ukraine and other countries, in unique arrangements for the unmistakable sounds of domra, balalaika and classical guitar
Tuesday, December 15, 2020: “Hallelujah!” – Gospel and Choral Favorites for the Holidays
5pm | 6:30pm
Camerata Baltimore
James Mayo III, Artistic Director
A wide-ranging chamber program by singers of the Camerata Baltimore performing gospel, spirituals and classical repertoire to celebrate Hannukah, Kwanzaa and Christmas, including excerpts from Handel’s Messiah and Saint-Saëns’ Christmas Oratorio
Saturday, December 19, 2020: “Spectacular Brass” – Music for Brass Quartet
5pm | 6:30pm
Members of the National Symphony Orchestra:
William Gerlach, trumpet | Amy McCabe, guest trumpet | David Murray, trombone | Matthew Guilford, bass trombone
Raise your holiday spirits when members of the NSO return for a joyous program of holiday favorites in powerful arrangements for brass quartet
Additional programs and artists to be announced.
More details to be announced. For program updates and ticket details, visit: https://www.classicalmovements.com/secretgardenconcerts-2/
About Classical Movements
The premier concert tour company for the world’s great orchestras and choirs, Classical Movements creates meaningful cultural experiences through music in 145 countries. An industry leader for over a quarter-century, Classical Movements organizes more than 60 tours every year, producing some 200 concerts every season. Producer of two international choral festivals—Ihlombe! in South Africa and Serenade! in Washington, D.C.—and the Prague Summer Nights: Young Artists Music Festival, in addition, Classical Movements’ Eric Daniel Helms New Music Program has commissioned 97 works from Grammy, Oscar and Pulitzer Prize-winning composers. Winner of Americans for the Arts’ BCA10: Best Businesses Partnering with the Arts Award, since its founding in 1992, as a truly global company, Classical Movements remains committed to facilitating cultural diplomacy across the world—promoting peace through the medium of music.
About the Rectory
Built in 1785 and the home of Classical Movements’ offices since 2014, the building formerly served as the rectory of the nearby historic Christ Church, once the church of George Washington. Since then, it has been owned by several distinguished Virginians and has been a commercial space since the 1960’s.
Located in the heart of beautiful Old Town Alexandria at 711 Princess Street, the Rectory is minutes away from the shops and restaurants of bustling King Street and is easily accessible by bus and metro.
Press Contacts
Adam Jackson
Artistic Planning and Executive Assistant to the President
1 (703) 683-6040, ext. 201
Adam@classicalmovements.com
Johan van Zyl
Senior Vice President
1 (703) 795-7711
Johan@ClassicalMovements.com
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