Houston, TX, March 4, 2021 — Ars Lyrica Houston, the Grammy-nominated early music ensemble, celebrates spring with Baroque blockbusters both in the concert hall and outside. St Philip Presbyterian Church hosts Signature Works on March 14 at 6 p.m. (via an online broadcast) and Levy Park provides an ideal setting for an outdoor concert, Baroque Blockbusters, on Saturday, March 13 at 6:30 p.m.
Reuniting artists and audiences with care was the inspiration for executive director Kinga Ferguson to search for new performance venues for the ensemble. “We looked to Levy Park as a natural partner. This award winning park is such an important fixture of the Upper Kirby neighborhood. With its diverse audience, extensive event calendar, and respectful social distancing protocols, Levy Park is the perfect place for our musicians to come together with their audience. The Baroque Blockbusters concert is part of our long-term effort to launch a series of outdoor events in Houston’s public spaces to bring back the excitement of live music to our communities, in a safe and fun environment.”
Baroque and Classical hits are the specialty of Ars Lyrica’s Harmony in the Air string quartet. Harmony in the Air, the Houston Airports Systems Performing Arts Program, is one of several initiatives that Houston Airport Systems has undertaken to create a memorable and positive travel experience for our passengers and generate higher revenue and stronger customer loyalty. The string quartet, lead by violinist Hae-a Lee, performs regularly at the Bush International Airport every other Friday. They make their outdoor performance premiere with Baroque Blockbusters, a free concert, on March 13.
Baroque Blockbusters
Date: March 13
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Where: Levy Park, 3801 Eastside Street, Houston, TX 77098
Cost: FREE
More information: www.arslyricahouston.org/baroqueblockbusters
Pairing with the picnic-ready program in Levy park is the mainstage Signature Works featuring favorites by Mozart and Pergolesi. Featured on this program is soprano Sherezade Panthaki. “I feel very fortunate to have been able to continue making music during the pandemic, through live self-accompanied Zoom recitals for public radio and arts organizations, virtual collaborations with colleagues across the country, and a few socially distanced solo recordings. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to groups like Ars Lyrica Houston that have been able to keep their programming going in an innovative way – providing not only their audiences with much-needed music that touches the soul, but artists with work, income, and a means of creative expression. Pergolesi’s “Stabat mater” is one of the best loved pieces from the Baroque era, featuring some of the most sublime writing for duetting voices. I’m particularly looking forward to singing this beautiful work with my dear friend and colleague, countertenor Jay Carter, along with Matthew Dirst and the musicians of Ars Lyrica Houston, who approach every single piece with extraordinary musicianship.”
Signature Works
Date: March 14
Time: 6 p.m.
Where: Online: https://www.arslyricahouston.org/signatureworks
Cost: $10
Tickets for the concert broadcast are available as part of Ars Lyrica’s Concert Broadcast and All Access subscription packages at https://www.arslyricahouston.org/subscriptionsandtickets, and also as a single event. Single ticket access is available at $10 and may be reserved at https://www.arslyricahouston.org/signatureworks or by calling (713) 622-7443.
