HARTFORD, Conn. — Kevin McGoff, will perform with CONCORA, Connecticut’s premiere all-professional chorus, as part of a traveling musical program celebrating the life and legacy of St. Francis of Assisi.
The genesis of the project is the 50th anniversary of the ministry of the Franciscan Friars of Providence. Kevin and the staff of the Chapel in Providence invited CONCORA to perform a gala concert to cap off a year of jubilee festivities.
The idea was so attractive to Coffey that it was soon added to CONCORA’s 32nd subscription season in Hartford, Kevin said. It was then offered toJerome Massimino and Gwedolyn Toth, music director of St. Francis Church in New York City, and a tour was born.
The concert which was designed by McGoff and Coffey will feature the music of Ned Rorem, Palestrina, William Albright, Carl Orff, Francis Poulenc, Antonio Lotti, Charles Villiers Stanford and others, interspersed with readings, poetry and stories of St. Francis narrated by Richard Trezza.
CONCORA, which was founded in 1974, has captured the ears and hearts of audiences for more than 30 years. In 2003, CONCORA received the Governor’s Arts Award in recognition of its remarkable artistic achievement and contribution to the arts in Connecticut. It has performed widely throughout New England and has collaborated in performances with Bobby McFerrin, Chanticleer, Gregg Smith Singers and John Rutter’s Cambridge Singers.
The friars of the province are invited to attend one of the three concerts titled Brother Sun, Sister Moon: The Life and Legacy of St. Francis of Assisi.
Hartford, CT Saturday, Nov. 5, 4:00 pm, Cathedral of St. Joseph, 140 Farmington Ave. Ticketed event.
Tickets available; call 860-224-7500 or www.concora.org
Providence, R.I. Sunday, Nov. 6, 5:00 pm; Church of St. Mary on Broadway, 538 Broadway at Barton; Admission is free; Free-will offering.
New York, N.Y. Saturday, Nov. 11, 7 p.m., St. Francis of Assisi Church, 135 W. 31st St.
Admission is free; Free-will offering