'Music in May' Launches Sunday at Napa Valley College

The Napa Valley College Chorale and Napa Valley College Orchestra are kicking off the Music in May series in the Main Theater at the

The Napa Valley College Orchestra, conducted by Harry Cadelago, will open the afternoon performance with pieces from Ludwig van Beethoven, and Joseph Hayden.  Featured soloists include Ralph Edward Valdez, Violin, Curt Johnson, Cello, Sandy Walters, Soprano Saxophone and Michael Stern, Bassoon. 

The College Chorale will join the orchestra in the Gloria in D major (RV 589) by Antonio Vivaldi.   The entire work will be performed by the College Chorale and Orchestra with guest soloists Bonnie Brooks, Elizabeth Dreyer, and Shannon Latimer. 

This composition will be conducted by Harry Cadelago.  To close the afternoon, Dr. Eve-Anne Wilkes will be conducting John Rutter’s “Look at the World”, reminding the audience of all the beautiful blessings which surround us daily and for which we should be thankful.

Antonio Lucio Vivaldi (March 4, 1678 – July 28, 1741) was a Catholic priest nicknamed “The Red Priest” or il prete rosso, due to his red hair.  He was also an Italian Baroque composer known mainly for instrumental concertos, but also composed sacred choral works, as well as over forty operas, in wich he had some success with staging in Venice, Mantua, and Vienna. 

While being employed as the violin instructor at the Ospedale della Pietà from 1703-1715 and again 1723-1740, he wrote compositions for the female music ensemble. 

More simply known as the Vivaldi “Gloria”, this piece was composed during his employment at the Pietà, the Venetian institution for foundlings.  Being that it was first performed at the Pietà, the tenor and bass soloists were omitted from the piece, as the institution was famous for the excellence of its all-female choir and orchestra. 

Tickets for Sunday's performance are $15 for adults, and $10 for students, military, and seniors 60 and over.  They may be purchased online at www.musicnapavalley.org; through the Box Office by phoning 707-256-7500, or at the door beginning one hour prior to performance time (space permitting).

Coming up is MUSIC IN MAY series of concerts all showing in the Main Theater of the Performing Arts Center at Napa Valley College:

May 18 @ 8pm – Voice Recital

May 19 @ 3pm – Winds & Strings Fantasia

May 24 @ 8pm – Smooth Jazz

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