Sarasa Ensemble: The Silver Swan

The Sarasa Ensemble returns to Brattleboro presenting “The Silver Swan” Friday, September 27^, at 7 p.m. at the Brattleboro Music Center.

Led by Artistic Directors and long-time area residents Timothy Merton and Jennifer Morsches, Sarasa Ensemble is a collective of international musicians who perform music of outstanding quality, spanning the 17th to the 21st centuries, on both period and modern instruments. As a performing ensemble, Sarasa is committed to not only offering remarkably diverse programs, but also to bringing their programs to diverse communities.  In this first concert of their 26^th season, they present the work of 17^th century composer Henry Purcell as well as a brand-new composition by local composer Robert Merfeld.

English composer Benjamin Britten once described Henry Purcell’s music with words such as “clarity, brilliance, tenderness, and strangeness,” terms that evoke a very distinct English school of composition explored by 17^th century composer John Blow, and revisited in the 20th century by composers such as Vaughan Williams, Gerald Finzi, and John Tavener.

In addition to showcasing Purcell’s work, this evening will also include Robert Merfeld’s new work for string quintet, inspired by Orlando Gibbons’ famous early 17^th century madrigal, “The Silver Swan.”

Performing will be Jason McStoots, tenor; Jesse Irons, Megumi Stohs Lewis, violins; Anna Griffis, viola; Jennifer Morsches, Timothy Merton, cellos; and Daniel Padgett, keyboard.