by Ellena on November 9, 2016
In two recent concerts, John King Carter, pianist and I, have sung five of the ten Biblical Songs, Opus 37, by Antonín Dvořák, originally composed in his native Czech. Here are the English texts and recordings of each of the songs. Psalm 97:2-6 Darkness and thunderclouds are round about him; judgment is his abode; righteousness his throne. Fire […]
by Ellena on September 18, 2016
Recital and Evensong John King Carter and I performed an afternoon of music at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Family on September 18, 2016. What a warm and enthusiastic audience! Here is a description of the concert in photographs and videos. All credits (and many thanks!) to Oana Hogrefe Photography. Biblical Songs by Antonín […]
by Ellena on April 3, 2016
In my career as a singer, I’ve had the privilege of giving multiple world premier performances. The first major world premiere was creating the role of Mrs. Gibbs in Ned Rorem’s opera Our Town. The second was performing as the mezzo-soprano soloist in Edwin Penhorwood’s monumental oratorio, An American Requiem. I’ve also had two composers […]
by Ellena on February 25, 2016
Singing the World: Life, Loss & Love On our upcoming concert, John King Carter and I will perform arias from Bizet’s Carmen, Rossini’s Barber of Seville, and Verdi’s A Masked Ball, in addition to favorite spirituals, early 20th century popular songs, andBrahms’s Four Serious Songs. Join us for this beautiful evening of music at Lawrenceville […]
by Ellena on February 21, 2016
Today during communion I sang the spiritual “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen,” arranged by composer Raymond K. Liebau. Here’s a truncated personal story about this superb arrangement: During my DMA dissertation research, I corresponded with a generous composer. He gave me the best arrangement of this spiritual I’ve ever encountered. I’ve been glad to share […]
by Ellena on December 25, 2015
If you’re a musician, then the best thing about Christmas is the fantastic music! Usually, after singing from 12:00 – 2 p.m. and 6:00- 12:00 midnight on Christmas Eve, (yes that’s a total of approximately 8 hours), I go to a pancake breakfast & celebration from 12:30 – 3:30 a.m. This year, the pancake breakfast […]
by Ellena on December 16, 2015
For the third year in a row, I’ve been asked to be the musician at the Blue Christmas service that All Saints Episcopal Church in Atlanta offers as an alternative to the festive Nativity of Our Lord on Christmas Eve. Blue Christmas is an intimate service that both honors the presence of sadness and darkness in […]
by Ellena on November 16, 2015
I was the leading musician at the Celebration of Life at Canterbury Court Retirement Home on Monday, November 16, 2015. Did I step in to help the day before the service? Yes. Was it a blessing to me and others? Yes. What did we sing and play? Gorgeous compositions. Solo Violin during the Prelude: Bach’s […]
by Ellena on October 18, 2015
Here is a summary of the Brahms: A Spiritual Look Through Time recital with John King Carter, pianist, told in photos and audio files. May those who look and listen be blessed through by the emotional truth and wisdom Brahms offers. “Mit vierzig Jahren,” Johannes Brahms, Op. 94, No. 1 “Steig auf, geliebter Schatten,” Johannes Brahms, Op. […]
by Ellena on October 11, 2015
What fun to be accompanied by dogs barking, cats meowing, and birds tweeting during today’s Feast of St. Francis of Assisi! I sang two arrangements from Southern Harmony by my friend Frank Pesci: “Wondrous Love” and “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need.” “Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us […]