| home | season | about | donate | supporters | contact | audio | archive |
| | |||||||||
|
 Soprano Tracy Rhodus, mezzo-soprano Natalie Arduino, pianist Keith Weber, tenor Vern Sutton and baritone David Grogan performing Ned Rorem's song cycle, Evidence of Things Not Seen. Reviews Shades of Twilight, Lines of Gold: Works for Voice and String Quartet January 31, 2009 "...let me just say... how beautifully you all sang and played last night. It was an evening to remember. I am particularly connected with two of the pieces--Wenlock Edge and Dover Beach. I practically know each by heart,yet this was only my first hearing of a public performance of the former and only my second of the latter. ... Thanks again for... everyone's wonderful performances." John Lienhard Author and voice of National Public Radio's The Engines of our Ingenuity Ned Rorem: Evidence of Things Not Seen January 12, 2008 "... Four accomplished singers filled the room with hope and resignation: soprano [Tracy] Rhodus, mezzo-soprano Natalie Arduino, tenor Vern Sutton and baritone David Grogan. [Keith] Weber was the pianist. Grogan was the most appealing technically and interpretatively. His sound was warm and firm, his top notes just as solid as lower ones. And he drew the listener into the text with his clear, intelligent interpretations. Rhodus and Arduino were first-class compatriots. Sutton, a former regular on A Prairie Home Companion, was an excellent ensemble singer...[and] communicator. Weber accompanied with authority and intensity. ..." Read More The Houston Chronicle About Us Col Canto presented its first concert at a private home in 2003. Founded by soprano Tracy Rhodus, Col Canto's mission is to introduce the genre of art song to a greater audience and to present art song concerts that welcome new listeners to classical music. Col Canto strives to make concerts of the highest artistic level available to the general public. Our roster of performers includes critically acclaimed musical artists from the Houston area and around the country. Creative programming, intimate venues and informative commentary make our concerts accessible and audience-friendly. What is Art Song? Art song is a genre of classical music that was created and developed in the beginning of the 19th century. The lyricism and emotional themes of German romantic poetry combined with the technical and expressive capabilities of the pianoforte greatly inspired composers of the time. Art song is the fusion of poetry and music. Shapes of the musical phrases follow the natural rhythm and flow of the poetry while harmonies and musical textures create mood and suggest subtext. Once combined, it is hard to imagine them apart. Col Canto is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. |