Third Annual LPO-THNOC Program Highlights German Music in New Orleans

Pre-Concert Lecture to Examine German Singing Societies in New Orleans

WHO: The Historic New Orleans Collection and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra

WHAT: "An die Musik: The German Heritage of New Orleans," Program includes a pre-concert lecture with music historian Mary Sue Morrow followed by a concert with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra

WHEN: Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Pre-concert lecture: 6:30 p.m.

Concert: 8:00 p.m.

WHERE: In the French Quarter

Pre-concert lecture: Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres Street

Concert: St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square

HOW: Admission to the lecture is $10, and reservations must be made in advance by calling (504) 523-4662. Discounts are available to students and educators. The concert is free and open to the public.

WHY: The Historic New Orleans Collection and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra will continue their annual program exploring Louisiana's musical heritage by examining German music in New Orleans. "An die Musik" is the third installment in the five-year series "Musical Louisiana: America's Cultural Heritage," which produces music education resource materials free to public schools throughout the state of Louisiana.

"An die Musik" highlights the role New Orleans played in introducing German classical music to the United States, including hosting the U.S. debuts of several German masters. Featured pieces in the LPO concert include the overture to Mozart's Marriage of Figaro, a Haydn symphony, and works by Beethoven, Weber, von Suppé, and Berlioz. Carlos Miguel Prieto will serve as conductor for the concert, which will include performances by Casey J. Candébat, tenor; Sarah Jane McMahon, soprano; Joseph Meyer, violin; and Carol Rausch, piano. Local historical actor Mikko Macchione will return as the program's narrator.

The concert is preceded by a lecture by Mary Sue Morrow, professor of musicology at the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati, on 19th-century New Orleans German singing societies. Seating is limited; reservations are strongly encouraged and may be made by calling (504) 523-4662.

This program is made possible with support from Entergy and with a grant from the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.