American Bach Soloists presents 1685 and the Art of Ian Howell April 21, 2008

Featuring award-winning countertenor Ian Howell performing the works of Bach, Handel, Scarlatti and Avison

American Bach Soloists
Jeffrey Thomas, Conductor
Also featuring: Debra Nagy (oboe), Corey Jamason (organ and harpsichord)

Pre-concert lecture at 7PM

ALSO APPEARING:
Friday, April 18 @ 8:00pm (pre-concert lecture at 7pm)
St. Stephens Church
(3 Bayview Avenue in Belvedere)

Saturday, April 19 @ 8:00pm (pre-concert lecture at 7pm)
First Congregational Church
(2345 Channing Way @ Dana Street in Berkeley)

Sunday, April 20 @ 7:00pm (pre-concert lecture at 6pm)
St. Marks Lutheran Church
(1111 OFarrell Street @ Franklin in San Francisco)

TICKETS: $16-$42 general; $10 student/senior advance;
$5 student rush at the door for all performances

BOX OFFICE: (415) 621-7900 and www.americanbach.org

Countertenor Ian Howellwinner of the Laurette Goldberg Prize at the 2006 American Bach Soloists/ Henry I. Goldberg Young Artists Competitionis showcased in a program featuring works by Bach, Handel, and Domenico Scarlatti, three composers coincidentally born in 1685. Mr. Howell, praised for his polished sound, clear resonance, and powerful enunciation, will perform Bachs luscious cantata Vergngte Ruh and Scarlattis gorgeous Salve Regina. In addition, he will offer an exquisite collection of Handel arias, composed for the opera and concert stage in the era of the celebrated castrati, Senesino, Guadagni, and Farinelli.

Mr. Howell, noted for his polished sound, clear resonance, and powerful enunciation by San Francisco Classical Voice, has performed on major concert stages across the United States, Europe, Mexico, Canada, Japan, and Taiwan. He recently took First Prize at the American Bach Soloists International Solo Competition with an acclaimed performance of Bachs cantata, Vergngte Ruh, and Third Prize (and made his Carnegie Hall Debut) at the Oratorio Society of New Yorks Competition. This Blacksburg, VA native can be heard with the all male chamber choir, Chanticleer, on one DVD and seven CDs, including the GRAMMY award winning Lamentations and Praises, and the GRAMMY award nominated Our American Journey. Mr. Howell has appeared in Handels Hercules (Lichas) and Semele (Athamas), Purcells The Fairy Queen (First Countertenor), and Brittens A Midsummer Nights Dream (Oberon). Concert appearances include Handels Messiah, Bachs St. John Passion, and Monteverdis Vespers (1610). Future engagements include performances with the American Bach Soloists, the Portland Baroque Orchestra, the Choir of St. Thomas Church Fifth Ave (NYC), and a debut recording with the American Bach Soloists.

ABOUT AMERICAN BACH SOLOISTS: Founded in 1989, the American Bach Soloists (ABS) continue to introduce audiences to the masterworks of Bach and his contemporaries as well as little-known gems from the Baroque and early-Classical eras through historically informed performances using period instruments and leading vocal interpreters of Baroque music. Under the leadership of Co-founder and Music Director Jeffrey Thomas the ensemble has become a veritable Whos Who of early music specialists and has been called superbly musical, and a breath of fresh air.

Event submitted by Eventful.com on behalf of NEQA.