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The Cathedral of St. John Albuquerque, New Mexico

The Right Reverend Michael L. Vono, Bishop of the Diocese of the Rio Grande The Very Reverend J. Mark Goodman, Dean of the Cathedral of St. John

Maxine Thévenot, Director of Cathedral Music & Organist

A Benefit Concert for

Barrett House A Women and Children’s Shelter

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OFFICERS President: Brent Stevens, Production Director of KHFM 95.5 & 102.9 FM

Vice President: Maxine Thévenot, Founding & Artistic Director Secretary: Elizabeth Bayne Treasurer: Carol Wilkins

Publicity: Monica Whitaker Publicity and Ticketing: Mary-Ellin Brooks

Chair of Charitable Contributions: Lee Rickard Co-chair of Charitable Contributions: Mary-Ellin Brooks

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Elizabeth Bayne

Mary-Ellin Brooks Chris Rasmussen

Lee Rickard Maxine Thévenot Monica Whitaker

Carol Wilkins HONORARY PATRONS

Professor Bradley Ellingboe, Director of Choral Activities, University of New Mexico Maestro Roger Melone, Resident Conductor and Choral Director of the New Mexico Symphonic Choirs

Tarik O’Regan, Internationally acclaimed composer Elaine Quilichini, Founding & Artistic Director, Calgary Girls Choir

Dr. Linda Raney, Founding & Artistic Director, Santa Fe Women’s Ensemble Dr. Robert Sirota, President, Manhattan School of Music

Carol Tucker Trelease, Alumna of Leadership Albuquerque, Chamber of Commerce

Director’s Circle-Concert Sponsorship ($2500+) Thomas Snodgrass In loving memory of his wife Jeanne B. Snodgrass

Polyphony Circle ($1000-$2499)

Benefactor Circle ($500-$999) Anonymous The Rev. Margaret “Timmy” Case Michael D. Freccia In honor of Brent Stevens Hanna Plumbing & Heating Co. Inc.

Patron ($250-$499) The Landahl Family Carol Tucker Trelease

Sponsor ($100-$249) Anonymous Brian Cochran from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Susan & James Daniels Bradley & Karen Ellingboe Guy & Nina Hobbs Eric Parker In memory of Doris Parker & Lora Hibbetts Rasmussen Family Lou & Robert St. John Dr. & Mrs. David E. Stinchcomb United Way of Central New Mexico Monica Whitaker In memory of Lillian Lee Au

Pat Wilson Dan & Jane Wright Jeanine & Michael Zenge

Donor ($25-$99) Anonymous Elizabeth Shellabarger Bayne In memory of my parents, Martin & Betty Shellabarger & my husband, William Bayne Faith Blakely Carlton & Mary Ellin Brooks Chandler Jewelers Jeff Cohen & Sally Farwell Ms. Monika Cosson Kate & Bob Friesner Mr. Dan Hellbom Thomas Paul James Millicent Leenhouts Betty Logan Tom & Kay Moses Jill Shellabarger Mueller New Mexico Chiropractic Center Lauren & Jonathan Saeger Bob & Zane Taichert Charles & Janet Williams

As of 6/10/11

The Board of Directors and singers of Polyphony would like to offer their sincerest appreciation for financial support from all the brilliant and generous people listed below. We could not exist without your help. If you don’t see your name listed below, please visit our website (www.polyphonynm.com), fill out the donor form and send it, along with your contribution in support of fine choral music, to Polyphony’s mailing address.

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Soundcat New Mexico Productions

LOCATION AUDIO RECORDING Of Fine Acoustic Music

CD PRODUCTION AND MASTERING

Recording engineer for: The New Mexico Symphony Orchestra Albuquerque Chamber Soloists Polyphony: Voices of New Mexico Friends of Cathedral Music (Cathedral Church of St. John) Musica de Festiva Rondeña Chatter Chamber Ensemble

BRENT STEVENS Soundcat New Mexico Productions

(505) 238-4432

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The Right Reverend Michael L. Vono, Bishop of the Diocese of the Rio Grande The Very Reverend Mark Goodman,

Dean of the Cathedral of St. John Lisa Perko,

Director of Cathedral Outreach Ken Davis & Todd Chapman,

Sextons, Cathedral of St. John Mina Yamashita, Alibi

David Steinberg, Albuquerque Journal Christophe Descarpentries & John Phinizy,

Le P’tit Louis Bistro Sarah Colmark, Station Manager, Classical KHFM

Chuck Wilhelm, Barrett House Spencer Beckwith, KUNM All Silent Auction donors

All door volunteers

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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The Cathedral of St. John•Albuquerque, New Mexico

Saturday, June 18, 2011, 6:00 PM

A Benefit Concert for Barrett House

A Women and Children’s Shelter

The World Premiere of

Concerto for Organ and Orchestra by Andrew Ager (b. 1962) Maxine Thévenot, Organist Justin Bischof, Conductor

INTERMISSION

The New Mexican Premiere of

The Beatitudes: Mass for the Homeless

by Henry Mollicone (b. 1946)

Sung by Polyphony: Voices of New Mexico

Erin Sanzero, Soprano Soloist Edmund Connolly, Baritone Soloist

Maxine Thévenot, Founding & Artistic Director

This concert is co-sponsored by Thomas Snodgrass in memory of Jeanne B. Snodgrass whose lifelong passion was to help women and children,

Friends of Cathedral Music, Classical KHFM, and Polyphony: Voices of New Mexico

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FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Life, in many respects, is about meeting people, making new friendships and nurturing these relationships so they grow

into something vibrant and fruitful. I'd like to share with you how some of the musical friendships that converge at this evening's concert came to pass.

Several years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting composer Henry Mollicone here in Albuquerque just prior to his conducting a performance of Tosca at Opera Southwest. He had heard of Polyphony: Voices of New Mexico, and a few minutes into the conversation said, 'please excuse me, I have something for you' and then disappeared only to reappear moments later with a score in hand and a big smile on his face. 'This piece of mine has just been published, and I'd be honored if you and your group would consider performing it someday.' The score was Beatitudes Mass: Mass for the Homeless, and tonight you hear the New Mexican premiere.

In November of 2008, I met Canadian composer Andrew Ager at a concert I was presenting in Toronto, Ontario. He sent me some scores shortly after that meeting for me to consider playing. I liked his musical style and voice, and began performing his music here, there and everywhere around the globe. After a performance at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, a seed was planted in Andrew's mind to write for me a large scale work. Little did I know then that this colleague of mine would write me an Organ Concerto (a mighty challenging one too!) Tonight you hear the World Premiere performance of that work.

Thirteen years ago, while still living in Canada, I travelled to Denver, CO, on my second visit to the USA, to attend my first National Convention of the American Guild of Organists. Fellow attendee Justin Bischof and I were to meet there, and then again in New York City at the Manhattan School of Music (where I was one of his pupils for a semester). He is the conductor of the Concerto for Organ & Orchestra this evening.

Fifteen years ago, I had the privilege to attend a summer course for young organists, singers and choir directors at St. Paul's Cathedral, London, UK. I met a great number of talented musicians, many of whom I am still in touch with today. A unique circumstance presented itself to me last year, when I needed to hire additional singers for last summer's Cathedral Choir Tour to the UK. I turned to my dear friend, Edmund Connolly to ask for help in finding good singers; he found us some of the best of London, including himself! Edmund, our baritone this evening, makes his American concert début in the singing of Henry Mollicone's Beatitude Mass: Mass for the Homeless.

While living, studying and working (1999-2005) in New York City and teaching in the choral department at the Manhattan School of Music, one of the many talented freshman choir students, Erin Sanzero came into my classroom. When I moved to Albuquerque, her mother's path and mine crossed unexpectedly at St. Pius Catholic High School, and there began a reconnection with Erin, our soprano soloist in Henry Mollicone's Beatitude Mass: Mass for the Homeless.

And so, here we are. And here you are. Many loving hands and hearts have assisted me in making this project happen. The more than fifty incredible musicians

you have in front of you; the living, breathing, compassionate composers; the supportive Dean of this Cathedral, The Very Rev. Mark Goodman; the fabulous Lisa Perko, Director of Outreach at the Cathedral; the energy-giving Brent Stevens, President of the Polyphony board and all of the hard-working board members; the fun and spirited Christophe and John from Le P'tit Louis Bistro; our much-appreciated concert sponsors and donors to the silent auction; our indispensable door and usher volunteers and staff from the Cathedral; our friends in the media; and the reason why we are all gathered here tonight, the wonderful, giving people from Barrett House.

My mother and father always told me that certain people come into one's life for a reason. They were right. -Maxine Thevenot, Founding & Artistic Director-

Polyphony: Voices of New Mexico

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D. C. Hagerman/M.J. Hagerman In memory and in thanksgiving for Robert Seamon Fabla Hannett In memory and in thanksgiving for Robert Seamon Charlie & Alicia Hawkins In celebration of Eric & Todd Parker’s 46th birthday Joseph & Carolyn Kindel In memory and in thanksgiving for Robert Seamon Stephanie Larson In memory and in thanksgiving for Robert Seamon Brittany Little In memory and in thanksgiving for Robert Seamon Karen Quelle McKinnon Patricia & George Pimbley In memory and in thanksgiving for Robert Seamon Michael & Deidra Ricci In memory and in thanksgiving for Robert Seamon Bill & Judy Stevens In memory and in thanksgiving for Robert Seamon

Helen Jane & Robert Taichert Karen & Bill Tatum Todd & Amy Urbatsch In memory and in thanksgiving for Robert Seamon Denise Warren Mary & Steven Weaver In memory of Pamela S. McClain Ruth Williamson In memory and in thanksgiving for Robert Seamon

6/10/11 Please consider becoming a Friend of Cathedral Music.

Simply fill out the information slip found in the Friends of Cathedral Music brochure located at either entrance to the Cathedral, and either mail it to the Cathedral or give it to one of the ushers at a concert program.

Friends of Cathedral Music Season Highlights

Visit www.stjohnsabq.org for upcoming details on each concert 2011

Saturday, October 8 & Sunday, October 9 Diocesan Choral Festival will be featured at the Sunday 11:00 am and Sunday 4:00 pm services.

Come join the fun.

Friday, October 28, 7:00 pm Great Organist: Dorothy Papadakos accompanies the 1922 silent movie Nosferatu the Vampire

on the Cathedral’s great organ. Come in costume and win a prize.

Friday, November 11, 7:00 pm New York Polyphony: New York’s preeminent male classical vocal quartet in the fields of early and new music.

These incredibly talented four men will astonish you with their beautiful vocal sounds.

Friday, December 9, 7:00 pm & Sunday, December 11, 3:00 pm Polyphony: Voices of New Mexico

Join the women of the roster for Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols, and carols from around the globe.

2012 Saturday, January 21, 9:00 am—11:00 am A Meet the King of Instruments Morning. Geared for children ages 4 years and up.

It’ll be fun and it’s free!

Friday, March 23, 7:00 pm & Sunday, March 25, 3:00 pm A unique performance of Handel’s Messiah

with an all male soloist quartet and Polyphony: Voices of New Mexico.

Friday, May 4, 7:00 pm Great Organist: Massimo Nosetti from Turin, Italy

will dazzle us on New Mexico’s largest organ.

Sunday, June 3, 3:00 pm Great Hymns and Anthems

Are you an Anglophile? This concert is for you! Music of Stanford, Parry, Howells and more, all sung by

the Cathedral Choirs performed by the Director of Cathedral Music.

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Archangel ($3,000+) Tanner & David Gay Eugenie & Guy Hobbs Peggy & Earl Lottfield Carol Tucker Trelease

Angel ($1,500+) Anonymous for the Dorothy Papadakos Concert Stephanie & David Kauffman Kenneth Moorhead Dr. & Mrs. David E. Stinchcomb

Benefactor ($1,000+) Douglas R. Bailey & Dianne Brehmer Bailey Jan & Kirk Gulledge John Spencer Helsell Harris McClain In memory of Pamela McClain Craig Smith Larry Titman

Patron ($750+)

Sponsor ($350+) Vi & John Miller Thomas B Seamon In memory of Dr. Robert E. Seamon Thomas Snodgrass Sandy Veltkamp Kat & Jay Vinson Nancy Worthen In memory of Lois Morrow Asmus Eugene & Priscilla Zimmermann In thanksgiving & in memory of Dr. Robert E. Seamon

Contributor ($150+) Donald Backstrom In memory and in thanksgiving for Robert Seamon Randal Baker in memory and in thanksgiving for Robert Seamon Elizabeth Bayne George & Madeline Black In memory and in thanksgiving for Robert Seamon Stanley & Joan Brown In memory and in thanksgiving for Robert Seamon Shirley Cashwell In memory and in thanksgiving for Robert Seamon Nance Fawcett In memory and in thanksgiving for Robert Seamon M.J. Fitzgerald in memory of Pamela S. McClain Arthur & Deanna Forster In memory and in thanksgiving for Robert Seamon Arthur Freed In memory and in thanksgiving for Robert Seamon Cheryl Garcia In memory and in thanksgiving for Robert Seamon Sandra & Ross Holmen In memory of Maurice O. Holmen

John Homko Stephanie Larson, Linya Bell, Jean & David Howe In memory and in thanksgiving for Robert Seamon Pauline & Orval Jones Susan & Tony Leonard Betty Max Logan Adams & Ann Lovekin In memory and in thanksgiving for Robert Seamon Debora & Kent Lusnia In memory and in thanksgiving for Robert Seamon Patti & David Marconett Kay Maureen Moses In thanksgiving for grandchildren V. Novik/Murphy In memory of Pamela S. McClain Eric Parker Mary Ann Richter In memory and in thanksgiving for Robert Seamon Kay Sedler Ruth & Thomas Tauscheck In memory of Pamela S. McClain Larry Titman In memory and in thanksgiving for Robert Seamon Karen Turner Monica Whitaker In memory of Lilliah Lee Au Jeanine & Michael Zenge

Supporters ($10-149) Cecil & Alis Adkins In memory and in thanksgiving for Robert Seamon Elizabeth Bayne In memory of William Bayne Peggy & William Brodsky The John Chavez Family Robyn & Stephen Clarke Susan & Ash Collins In celebration of Eric & Todd Parker’s 46th birthday Gordon & Judith Crocker In memory and in thanksgiving for Robert Seamon Kaayla t. Daniel D.B. & L.F. Davidson In memory and in thanksgiving for Robert Seamon Joy F. Eaton In memory of Robert Lynch Ivan & June Fish In memory and in thanksgiving for Robert Seamon Fritz Frurip In memory and in thanksgiving for Robert Seamon Marilyn Gamer Anne & John Green In memory of Pamela S. McClain The Rev. Frank Grubbs In memory and in thanksgiving for Robert Seamon

FRIENDS OF CATHEDRAL MUSIC Concerts at the Cathedral would not be possible were it not for the generosity of members of the congregation and greater Albuquerque community who contribute time and money to Friends of Cathedral Music (FCM). FCM are individuals, families and organizations who support the core mission of furthering fellowship among all people through the grace of God and the beauty of first-rate music. Although most of its programs center on ecclesiastical themes, FCM also sponsor many other programs, including those by young musicians from the community.

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TEXTS

Beatitude Mass Henry Mollicone

(English texts by William Luce) I. Blessed Blessed are the poor, blessed is the crowd of souls who by hard faith endure, blessed is the air they breathe, the roadways they venture upon, the dreams they dream, the tears they shed by streams of Babylon. High in the willows their harps they hang, oh, pray that their vision be glorious— hushed is the music that once they sang, Oh, let them sing new psalms victorious.

Blessed are the eyes that see not a band of homeless, but a noble company. Blessed is the hand of God that shakes out the stars like an autumn rain. And gathers up the hearts of men like sheaves of golden grain. Let them remember the face of God with psalms overflowing gratitude— Strange and apart was the path they trod, but now is their day of Beatitude.

II. Kyrie.

III. Evelyn’s Song My name is Evelyn— just call me Eve. I’m a homeless woman with no more options for tomorrow than endless wandering and sorrow— tonight I have a place to sleep in from the cold and from the rain, but what about the nights to come, the crushing tedium, the pain? I dare not wonder where I’ll be a year from now— that’s much too far to think or dream or question if there’ll be security for me, perhaps a shelter in some nameless town, a building bleak and gray and tumble down, a stale and dingy room for me, a narrow space, a hiding place where I can be away from anyone but me-- A soiled and broken bed, a pillow for my head— But wait, I may be dead by then.

IV. Gloria

Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison. Kyrie eleison. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Gloria in excelsis Deo, et in terra pax hominibus bonæ voluntatis. Laudamus te, benedicimus te, adoramus te, glorificamus te. Gratias agimus tibi propter magnam gloriam tuam. Domine Deus, Rex cœlestis, Deus, Pater omnipotens, Domine fili unigenite, Jesu Christe. Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, filius Patris. Qui tollis peccata mundi, Qui sedes ad dexteram patris, miserere nobis. Suscipe deprecationem nostram. Quoniam tu solus sanctus, Quoniam tu solus Dominus, Tu solus altissimus, Jesu Christe. Cum sancto spiritu in gloria Dei Patris. Amen.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace to all those of good will.

We praise thee, we bless thee, we worship thee, we glorify thee.

We give thanks to thee according to thy great glory. Lord God, heavenly King, God, the Father almighty. Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten son. Lord God, Lamb of God, son of the Father. Thou who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy

upon us. Receive our prayer. For thou alone art the Lord, thou alone art the most holy, Thou alone art the most high, Jesus Christ. With the Holy Spirit in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

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V. Adam Amen, I sing amen to ev’ry prayer that’s being prayed, amen, I sing amen—I’ve been to hell and back again, amen, I sing amen, but never have I been afraid. My name is Adam and I am lost between a hard place and a stone, but I got plans and I got dreams to get to heaven on my own. Long time ago I used to be a gard’ner for a wealthy man, long time ago life wasn’t bad, life had a plan, but I messed up somehow, and now I’m back where it all began long time ago. I live around, that’s how it is—and do I care? Life is a show—but when my nights are void of stars and cold sets in with streets of snow and scavenging gets harder to do, I close my burning eyes, and then I’m in that garden once again— life wasn’t bad long time ago—and so I sing amen! I sing amen to ev’ry prayer that’s being prayed! Amen! I’ve been to hell and back again! Amen! I sing Amen!

VI. Sanctus

VII. Meditation and Benedictus

VIII. The Messenger Adam: I heard the holy Messenger who sang in heaven’s name, the embers of my hope grew bright and set the night aflame. Eve: He sang to me and suddenly, from out some nowhere place, the rain of God fell softly down and cooled my fevered face. Adam: By subway tracks I’ve counted sheep and scoffed at my misery. Eve: I’ve cried myself to sleep with tears of agony. Adam: Curled up in doorways, I have seen how lost any man can be. Eve: But now the morning sings inside my head, it doesn’t really matter what is past— Adam: We’re standing in the house of God at last. Eve: Oh tender shepherd, savior, angel, friend, Adam: Oh garden at the soaring rainbow’s end. Both: Be all about us, sweet and wild, in street or teeming mart, A singing voice within the storm, a hymn within the heart.

IX. Agnus Dei

Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus, Dominus Deus sabaoth. Pleni sunt cœli et terra gloria tua, Hosanna in excelsis.

Holy Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts. Heaven and earth are full of thy glory. Hosanna in the highest.

Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini, Hosanna in excelsis.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis. Dona nobis pacem.

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Grant us peace

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SINGER ROSTER

SOPRANO ALTO Janelle Anyanonu Elizabeth Bayne Brianne Conner Monika Cosson

Rebecca Hellbom Renée Motteler

Jennifer Perez Sarah Weiler

Johanna Sindelar Monica Whitaker

Meredith Wilder

TENOR BASS Erik Clack Devin Barad

Jay Hill Ross Holmen Eric Parker Christopher Ihlefeld

Todd Parker Thomas James

Stephen Lewis

Lee Rickard

ORCHESTRA ROSTER

Debra Terry, Concert Mistress

VIOLIN I Debra Terry Elena Sopoci David Felberg

CLARINET Lori Lovato Stanley Weinstein

VIOLIN II Tony Templeton Carol Swift-Matton Justin Pollak

BASSOON Stefanie Przybylska Denise Turner

VIOLA Virginia Lawrence Lisa DiCarlo Cherokee Randolph

FRENCH HORN Nathan Ikens Rachael Brown

CELLO Dana Winograd Lisa Collins

TRUMPET John Marchiando Brynn Rector

BASS Jean-Luc Matton Terry Pruitt

TIMPANI Douglas Cardwell

FLUTE Valerie Potter Jesse Tatum

HARP Lynn Gorman DeVelder

OBOE Melissa Sassaman Rebecca Ray

PIANO Andrew Ager

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Polyphony: Voices of New Mexico We are New Mexico’s newest professional choral ensemble and are unique to the Land of Enchantment in that

all of our singers reside in the State of New Mexico. Several of our singers have grown up here, been educated here and elsewhere in the country, and internationally, and have returned to this beautiful part of the world to make music together.

The ensemble was founded in 2006 by Dr. Maxine Thévenot. Our roster of singers is a flexible one of some 35 singers allowing for performances of the finest choral repertoire ranging from the medieval period to modern day. We present concerts twice a year, in June and December, in some of New Mexico’s most beloved acoustical and enchanting spaces. We hope you are best able to feed your heart, mind, and soul and celebrate fine music-making with Polyphony: Voices of New Mexico this season!

For up-to-date concert dates, program information, and to purchase tickets, visit our website www.polyphonynm.com.

Upcoming Season for Polyphony: Voices of New Mexico

Come and Celebrate with Us!

Friday, December 9, 7:00 pm & Sunday, December 11, 3:00 pm

at the Cathedral of St. John

Join us for these two Polyphony concerts, featuring works for harp and the women of Polyphony’s roster. These concerts will help to celebrate their first internationally released CD on the Raven CD label.

Friday, March 23, 7:00 pm & Sunday, March 25, 3:00 pm

at the Cathedral of St. John

Join Polyphony as they present a unique performance of Handel’s Messiah.

Last year’s performances were standing room only! Expect a return visit by male soprano sensation Eric Brenner and tonight’s baritone soloist, Edmund Connolly .

Don’t miss out: buy your tickets on line at www.polyphonynm.com.

Your tax-deductible contribution is essential in continuing our tradition of musical excellence. POLYPHONY: Voices of New Mexico is a New Mexico non-profit corporation recognized as a charitable 501c (3) organization by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. We are supported by donations from individuals, local businesses, corporations and foundations.

As concerto organist, Dr. Thévenot has performed around the globe including such prestigious venues as Notre Dame, Paris; Westminster Abbey, London; Washington National Cathedral; The Cathedral of St. John the Divine, NYC; churches in Prague, Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest.

Ms. Thévenot has received the Bachelor of Music in Music Education with distinction from the University of Saskatchewan, and the degrees, Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts in organ performance from the Manhattan School of Music, New York, where she was twice awarded the Bronson Ragan Award for ‘most outstanding organist.’ She also holds the Associate diplomas from the Royal Canadian College of Organists and the Royal Conservatory of Music. In December 2006, Dr. Thévenot was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the National College of Music, London, UK for her services to music.

Please visit www.maxinethevenot.com for a listing of her upcoming concert schedule.

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X. Finale Salve mater misericordiæ, Mater Dei et mater veniæ, Mater spei et mater gratiæ, Mater plena, sanctæ lætitiæ, O Maria. Salve decus humani generis, Salve virgo dignior ceteris, Quæ virgines omnes transgraderis, Et altius sedes in superis, O Maria! Salve mater misericordiæ...

Hail mother of mercy, Mother of God and mother of pity, Mother of hope and

mother of grace, Mother full of holy joy, O Mary. Hail honor of the human race, Hail virgin worthier than all, Who dost excel all virgins, And sitteth higher than all others in heaven, O Mary. Hail mother of mercy...

Salve felix virgo puer puerpera: Nam qui sedet in Patris dextera, Cælum regens terram et æthera, Intratua se clausit viscera, O Maria. Te creavit pater ingenitus, Obum bravit te unigenitus, Foecundavit te sanctus spiritus, Tu us facta tota dividitus, Te creaavit Deus mirabilem, Te respexit ancilam himilem, Te qaesivit sponsam amabilem, Tibi nun quam facit consimilem. Esto mater nostrum solacium; Nostrum esto tu virgo gaudium; Et nos tandem post hoc exsilium, Laetos iunge choris caelestium. Salve mater misericordiae…

Hail happy virgin and mother: For he who sits at the Father’s right hand, Ruling heaven, earth

and sky, Was borne in thy womb, O Mary. The eternal Father created thee, The only begotten son

overshadowed thee, Of the Holy Ghost thou did conceive, Thou art all made by

God, God made thee wonderful, He looked upon his lowly

handmaid, He sought thee to be the mother of his son, He made no other

like thee. Mother be our comfort; Virgin, be our joy; And may we after this exile, Join thee among the choir of

heaven. Hail mother of mercy…

Blessed are the poor, blessed those who have no roof no room, but still endure- Blessed are their days to come, for theirs is the kingdom of light- And nevermore can it be utter night, for theirs is the kingdom of light!

COMPOSER’S NOTES Concerto for Organ and Orchestra by Andrew Ager. I wish to acknowledge the very generous support of Dr. Keith

Maclellan, Donna Ager, and Dr. Sheila Ager in the writing of this concerto. This concerto is dedicated to Maxine Thévenot, my esteemed colleague and friend.

-Andrew Ager

Beatitude Mass evolved from a discussion with a friend, Fr. Jon Pedigo. The work incorporates words from the Latin Mass Ordinary, juxtaposed with English texts by William Luce. The new texts are drawn from interviews that he and I conducted with people living in homeless shelters. We hope that a portion of all proceeds garnered from performances of the work will be used to raise funds for organizations that support the needy. We have been thus far blessed with several performances in Charlotte NC, San Jose CA, Palo Alto CA, Saratoga CA, Washington DC, Los Angeles, Santa Clara CA, Monterey, CA, and Belmont CA, by various choral organizations. All performances were given as benefit concerts, and thus far, over $100,000 has been raised for different charitable organizations. This has been a group effort: so many singers, soloists, musicians, and administrators have come together and donated their time when possible (or performed for low fees) to make these events happen. The CD of the mass is available from the website CDBaby.com, and proceeds from those sales go to a charity.

-Henry Mollicone ANNOUNCEMENTS

Polyphony: Voices of New Mexico is always looking for talented, dedicated, fun-loving singers! To schedule an audition, please contact Maxine Thévenot through our website www.polyphonynm.com.

Find us on Facebook!

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PERFORMING TONIGHT

ERIN SANZERO – Soprano- In the summer of 2010, Erin Sanzero joined the Young Artist Apprentice Program at the Santa Fe Opera and made her debut as Emmie Spashett in Albert Herring. Most recently, she sang the role of Madamigella Jouvenot in Adriana Lecouvreur for Washington Concert Opera and completed the workshop of Nico Muhly’s Dark Sisters, with future performances at Gotham Chamber Opera in New York City and the Opera Company of Philadelphia. Recent engagements include singing Edith (and covering Mabel) in The Pirates of

Penzance with Virginia Opera and her debut at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia as Gretel in Hansel and Gretel. Ms. Sanzero is a 2009 District winner in the Metropolitan Opera’s National Council Auditions, a Hughes Award winner in the Annapolis Vocal Competition, winner of the Mario Lanza Vocal Competition in Philadelphia, and a finalist in the 2008 Palm Beach Opera Vocal Competition. She graduated from the Manhattan School of Music with a Bachelor of Music degree and the Mannes College of Music with a Master of Music degree.

EDMUND CONNOLLY, baritone, was born in London and studied music at Robinson College, Cambridge University, where he was organ scholar. He then earned his Master of Music degree in vocal performance from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London. In recent years Edmund has worked around the UK and Europe in opera, oratorio and recital. Opera credits include Guglielmo Così fan tutte (Opera UK, English Chamber Opera), Count Almaviva Le Nozze di Figaro (Surrey Opera, understudy at Garsington Opera), Don Giovanni and Danilo Die

Lustige Witwe (Pavilion Opera), amongst many other roles and understudies for companies including Glyndebourne Festival Opera and English Touring Opera. He has also worked on major education projects for both English Touring Opera and English Pocket Opera. In concert, Edmund has sung a wide variety of oratorio repertoire and given recitals around the UK; he recently made his US recital début in Albuquerque in aid of the Cathedral of St. John Chorister Program. Edmund is also in demand as a voice teacher, accompanist and choral conductor. He is a Music Professor at the Guildhall School, and holds the post of Organist at Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel, London. For more information please visit www.edmundconnolly.com.

“Gorgeous - writing that is subtly layered, its emotions being persistent and powerful” were among the media's words used to describe On the Rialto Bridge, music from ANDREW AGER’S new opera The Wings of the Dove. This opera, due for its fully staged premiere in Italy in summer 2012, is Ager’s second. His first, Frankenstein, was premiered to critical acclaim (“a multi-layered tone-poem, intensely moving”) in Toronto in 2010. At present it is being translated into German for performances in Austria and Germany.

In an interview given at Ager’s home in the lush countryside of Quebec, his sound was depicted as “quite often monumental and epic-sounding - and sometimes inspired by the wind and birds of the countryside, evoking a feeling of soaring through a bright summer sky”. His work Missa Campanella, premiered in Madrid in 2007 and now available on a beautiful CD recorded by the Choir of the Cathedral of St. John, Albuquerque, directed by Maxine Thévenot, was called “truly lovely, vibrant and uplifting”.

The attraction of Ager’s music on an international level, with premieres this year and next in the US and Europe, is not surprising. As a composer his goal is to give full expression to emotion and atmosphere in music. As such he feels he has simply “walked past” the door of the Avant-garde straight into a genuine modernity.

Growing up in various regions of Canada, Ager was strongly influenced by the sounds of nature, from the Atlantic Ocean to the rustling of the Ontario pine forests. He also had a very early love of opera and chamber music, writing his first vocal compositions at the age of fourteen. He has been fortunate in working with ensembles and soloists of very high repute, both in Canada and abroad. During 2010-11 he will have premiere performances in Albuquerque, Venice, Munich, Magdeburg, Sulmona (Italy), Ottawa, and Toronto.

HENRY MOLLICONE has studied composition with Donald Martino, Ron Nelson, Daniel Pinkham, Gunther Schuller, and Seymour Schifrin.

His one-act operas, Emperor Norton, Starbird, The Face on the Barroom Floor, and The Mask of Evil have been performed extensively. The Face on the Barroom Floor, a recipient of the American Composers’ Recording Award, is one of America’s most often performed contemporary operas. His full-length opera, Coyote Tales, commissioned and

premiered by the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, is available on Newport Classic. The full-length opera Hotel Eden was premiered at Opera San Jose in 1989. Another collaboration with William Luce was his new opera Gabriel’s Daughter, which premiered at the Central City Opera in 2004.

In addition to opera, Mr. Mollicone has written works for orchestra, voice, chorus, ballet, music for film, television, and theater. He has guest-conducted at several American opera companies, was a musical assistant to Leonard Bernstein for the show 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, and an assistant conductor at the New York City Opera. Orchestral works include Celestial

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Dance, Inner Light, Kathy’s White Knight, and A Rat’s Tale: The Pied Piper Revisited. His works have been performed by many distinguished artists, including JoAnn Falletta, Frederica Von Stade, Amy Burton and Marnie Breckenridge.

WILLIAM LUCE wrote his Broadway and London success The Belle of Amherst for Julie Harris, who won her fifth Tony Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Emily Dickinson. The record album received a Grammy Award. The PBS production won three Christopher Awards. Thames Television’s production of Belle starred Claire Bloom and won an Emmy Award for Best Foreign Production. For American soprano Renée Fleming, Luce wrote My Business is to Love, which Fleming premiered in Lincoln Center and London’s Barbican Centre, with Harris and Bloom co-starring. Luce’s Broadway hit Barrymore starred Christopher Plummer as legendary John Barrymore. Plummer won a Tony Award for Best Actor. For her portrayal of Isak Dinesin in Luce’s play Lucifer’s Child, Julie Harris received a Tony nomination. Luce is twice a Writers Guild Award nominee for his CBS movies, The Last Days of Patton starring George C. Scott and Eva Marie Saint; and The Woman He Loved, starring Olivia de Havilland and Julie Harris. For composer Henry Mollicone, Luce wrote the libretto for A Rat’s Tale for narrator, orchestra and children’s chorus. He and Mollicone also created the new opera Gabriel’s Daughter, which premiered in Colorado. Their latest work is Beatitude Mass. Luce lives and writes on the Oregon coast.

A Canadian-Swiss resident of New York City, JUSTIN BISCHOF is one of the most eclectic and active artists of his generation. He is a growing presence in the conducting arena where he has made a name for himself in both operatic and orchestral circles in New York and beyond. He is one of the most prominent concert organists and improvisers in the world today with a repertoire that spans from the Baroque to world premieres.

As orchestral conductor, past seasons have seen him work with various orchestras including the National Arts Center Orchestra, The Ensemble Orchestral de Paris, the Canadian Chamber Orchestra of New York City (CCO/NYC) and The State Philharmonic in Kavkazskiye Mineralnye Vody. As Artistic Director of CCO/NYC, which is the only chamber ensemble in New York City dedicated to encouraging the artistry of the growing and vibrant community of Canadian orchestral players, he has infused his passion for helping others through music. CCO/NYC has presented the annual Transforming the Lives of Children through Music, which has raised over $200,000 for “at risk” children over the past 4 years.

As opera conductor, he worked with members of The Honolulu Symphony in the Hawaii Premiere of Menotti’s The Medium and The Telephone at the Hawaii Opera Theatre. As Artistic Director of The Modus Opera Company, a vibrant company that is quickly becoming known for its first rate productions, he has conducted several productions including Mozart’s Cosi fan tutti & Don Giovanni. With New York City Opera Canadian mezzo-soprano Ariana Chris, Maestro Bischof conducted and led from the piano a benefit concert entitled Opera Trash at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall which received rave reviews. He made his Australian Opera Conducting Debut in Perth at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts leading six fully staged performances with orchestra of the Australian Premiere of Robert Ward’s Pulitzer Prize winning The Crucible.

Mr. Bischof is one of the world’s finest improvisers, having won first prize in the 2000 American Guild of Organists National Improvisation Competition in Seattle. His all improvisation performances have been met with critical acclaim throughout the U.S. and the world. He has performed with numerous orchestras including the Zurich Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony, and with members of the Orchestra of St. Luke’s. He was a featured soloist with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Andreas Delf in the world premiere performances of The Revelation of St. John by Daniel Schneider, composer-in-residence, which was recorded for NPR. He made a highly anticipated return appearance in Saint Saën’s Symphony No. 3 “Organ” under the direction of Maestro Delf in a program shared with violinist Joshua Bell that included an improvisation on excerpts from The Red Violin. A live recording of the symphony which was broadcast on NPR is available on the MSO website. Please visit www.justinbischof.com for a listing of his upcoming concert schedule.

An accomplished, respected, and dynamic choral conductor much in demand, MAXINE THÉVENOT, Founding & Artistic Director has directed ensembles across North America. She also maintains an active career as an international organist, a visiting lecturer at universities, a recording artist, and is a published writer and photographer. Presently, Dr. Thévenot serves as the Founding Director of the professional vocal ensemble, Polyphony: Voices of New Mexico; as the Director of the University of New Mexico women’s vocal ensemble, Las Cantantes; and as

the Director of Cathedral Music & Organist at the Cathedral of St. John, Albuquerque, NM.

In her work as the Director of Cathedral Music she works with the Cathedral Choir, the Cathedral Chamber Choir, and the Cathedral Choristers. These ensembles sing at weekly and monthly services at the Cathedral, perform newly commissioned works, perform annual concerts with organ and orchestral members from the community. She has directed the Cathedral Choirs in performances of works ranging from J.S. Bach to modern day composers such as Judith Bingham, James MacMillan, Tarik O’Regan, and Joby Talbot.