Orchestra performance commemorates Purcell's music

The Bates College Orchestra, directed by William Matthews of the music faculty and accompanied by dancers and chamber singers, will perform at 8 p.m. Feb. 9  in the Olin Arts Concert Hall. The public is invited to attend free of charge.

The orchestra will perform excerpts from The Faerie Queen, Henry Purcell’s 1692 “semi-opera” based on William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The work features dancing for four couples in the Renaissance style, choreographed by Marcy Plavin of the theater department, and solo, ensemble and choral singing by the Bates Chamber Singers, directed by Marion Anderson of the music department. Special guest and bass soloist Daniel Ludden ’86 will also perform.

“Henry Purcell is generally acknowledged to be the greatest English composer,” Matthews said. “He died in 1695 at the age of 36. This concert commemorates the 300th anniversary of his death.”

For additional information, contact the Olin Arts Center at 207-786-6135.