President's Message

Dear Friends of the Consort:

Welcome to the 36^th Anniversary season of the Norfolk Chamber Consort. Each year the Consort brings innovative and unique programming to the community, and this year is no exception.

Our season opens on Monday, September 20 with "A Night at the Opera," featuring works by Bizet, Mozart, Beethoven, and a special staged Scena: Fully Clothed in Armor... by Tom Rice. Also of great interest is the wind ensemble arrangement of music from Don Giovanni.

"Bachfest," our second offering on Monday, November 22, will be performed at Christ and Saint Luke's church. The famous Norfolk landmark church is a perfect setting for the two major works on the program - Cantata 169, featuring alto Lisa Relaford Coston and the Concerto in E Major for harpsichord and strings, featuring harpsichordist Allen Shaffer.

Valentine's Night, Monday, February 14, 2005 showcases "A Valentine for Robert and Clara" with romances and fantasy pieces by Robert and Clara Schumann, songs from the Liederkreis, Opus 39 by Robert and Clara's elegant Trio in G minor for piano, violin and cello. Baritone Christopher Mooney will be making his Consort debut.

"The Archduke" closes out our season on Monday, April 4, with an evening of works dedicated to or composed by the Archduke Rudolf. Beethoven's Grosse Fuge, Opus 134, and Trio in E-flat Major for violin, cello and piano, Opus 97, will be performed, as well as the Archduke Rudolf's own Trio for clarinet, cello and piano.

It is our great pleasure to welcome our many friends and supporters, and a special welcome to those who are enjoying the delights of the Consort for the first time. We thank the Consort's artistic co-directors, our dedicated board of directors, and the volunteers who work so hard, our many advertisers, and above all, the gifted musicians who make these programs possible. And we thank you, our enthusiastic audience, for your support, and for making the first 35 years possible.

Sincerely,

Patricia L. Bernick

President