Arias from Modern Times

Arias from Modern Times

Parthenia joins the Brooklyn College Department of Voice for an unforgettable afternoon celebrating the life and contributions of the late, beloved tenor Paul Sperry, a pioneering advocate for American song and vocal music. The concert will explore new works for voice and viols in a two-day residency culminating in a public performance. Composers commissioned by Parthenia (Will Ayton, Kristin Norderval, Phil Kline, and Richard Einhorn) will be mixed with other repertoire the students are working on by Charles Ives and H.T. Burleigh. This inaugural concert, dedicated to his memory, commemorates his enduring passion for artistry, expression, and the voices of our time.

Hosted by Malcolm J. Merriweather, Tania León Chair and Professor of Music, Brooklyn College

The ensemble will premiere a new work, “Two Songs” for soprano and viol consort by student composer Christopher DiVencenzo.

Buchwald Theater, Leonard and Claire Tow Center for the Performing Arts

2920 Campus Road, Brooklyn, NY 11210

Parthenia Viol Consort is a recipient of a 2024 grant from Chamber Music America’s Artistic Projects program, funded through the generosity of The Howard Gilman Foundation, which is supporting Parthenia’s commitment to champion new music for viols in communities across New York City.