Haydn’s The Creation
Thu Mar 30 — Sat Apr 1, 2023
Orchestra Hall
More than two decades have passed since English conductor Paul McCreesh stood onstage at Orchestra Hall, and his return comes with an oratorio that has not been performed by the Orchestra in just as long. The Minnesota Chorale takes the stage with the Orchestra for Haydn’s The Creation, featuring soprano Joélle Harvey, tenor Robert Murray and bass-baritone Kevin Deas. It will be a joyful celebration of new life, community voices, and nature all together—a perfect program to welcome spring.
A Few Things To Know
- Paul McCreesh is the founder and artistic director of the Gabrieli Consort and Players. He is an avid supporter of expanding access to the arts and providing music education opportunities for all.
- Soprano Joelle Harvey and tenor Robert Murray make their Minnesota Orchestra debuts in these performances.
- In 2023, the Minnesota Chorale enters its sixth decade of performing choral music in the Twin Cities.
Program
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HAYDN
The Creation
1 min noteOne Minute Note
Late in life, Haydn completed his massive output of symphonies and explored new creative challenges, none more ambitious than The Creation, which was modeled after Handel’s oratorios. Expressing the view that nature is the supreme testament of God, it is assembled primarily from the Christian and Hebrew Book of Genesis and biblical Psalms, as well as Milton’s Paradise Lost. The first two parts describe the Judeo-Christian creation story through declamatory recitatives and arias and ariosos that constitute miniature tone paintings, while the concluding third part focuses on an extended tableau for chorus and soloists that places the listener in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve in their state of innocence. Along the way we go on a musical safari through the natural world that evokes creatures ranging from whales to a growling lion to lowly insects and conjures howling winds, thunder and lightning. The Creation’s libretto was issued in English and German, and these performance feature the English text as revised by this week’s conductor Paul McCreesh in a version that addresses flaws in the original and improves accessibility for English-speaking listeners.
Artists
Minnesota Orchestra
Minnesota Chorale
Kevin Deas
bass-baritone
The Grammy Award-winning Minnesota Orchestra, now in its second century, ranks among America’s top symphonic ensembles, with a distinguished history of acclaimed performances in its home state and around the world; award-winning recordings, broadcasts and educational engagement programs; and a commitment to intentionally build concert programs to feature more works by composers of color, exploring music both contemporary and historic. In September 2024, Danish conductor Thomas Søndergård begins his second season as music director.
The Minnesota Chorale has served as the Minnesota Orchestra’s principal chorus since 2004 and is now in its 29th season under the leadership of Kathy Saltzman Romey. Founded in 1972, the Chorale is Minnesota’s preeminent symphonic chorus, with a roster of over 200 singers. Best known for its work with the two major orchestras of the Twin Cities, the ensemble is equally dedicated to programs that build and enrich community. A seasoned artistic partner, the Chorale continues to explore new artistic directions and collaborative opportunities, while earning the highest critical acclaim for its work on the concert stage. In 2018, members of the Chorale traveled to South Africa to perform alongside the Minnesota Orchestra in its historic concerts in Soweto and Johannesburg.
Plan your visit
- Pre-concert activities
- Valet Parking
- Pre-order Beverages
- Directions & Parking
- Helpful Tips
Pre-Concert Interview
When: Thur Mar 30 - Sat Apr 1 | Pre-Concert
Where: Auditorium (Thurs) and Target Atrium (Fri/Sat)
Join Valerie Little, Minnesota Orchestra's Assistant Principal Librarian, in a conversation with vocal soloists featured on today's program.
Know Before You Go
An engaging performance awaits, and the fun doesn’t stop there. Make this visit your own with food and activity options. Browse these helpful tips, and when your concert date arrives, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy.
Directions & Parking
All the information you need to know for getting to and from Orchestra Hall. Parking is just steps away from Orchestra Hall in the city-owned and skyway-connected 11th and Marquette Ramp.
Pre-order beverages
Skip the lines at the bar! Pre-order your intermission beverage via the MN Orch App when you arrive at Orchestra Hall.
Accessibility Services
- Armless & Bariatric Chairs
- Assistive Listening Devices
- Large-Print Programs
- Noise-Cancelling Headphones
- Service Animals
- Wheelchair & Accessible Seating
Additional services are available upon request.
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