by Ellena on March 14, 2017
On Saturday, March 11, 2017, I had the privilege of singing excerpts from the opera Carmen by Bizet with the Atlanta Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by my friend and colleague Amy Wilson at North Decatur Presbyterian Church. In the concert, titled “C’est la vie!” we had a great cast of characters! I sang the title role […]
by Ellena on March 8, 2017
I’m singing Carmen excerpts from Bizet’s fantastic opera on Saturday, March 11, 2017 with the Atlanta Philharmonic Orchestra at 7;30 p.m. at North Decatur Presbyterian Church, 611 Medlock Rd, Decatur, GA. Click on the link for tickets and more information. Here are some photos and recording excerpts from our first rehearsal last night. Here’s a […]
by Ellena on November 9, 2016
Sarah Ellena Hogrefe, mezzo-soprano, and John King Carter, pianist, perform Elgar’s Sea Pictures, Opus 37. Recorded live in concert in Jasper, Georgia on September 18, 2016, and performed again at Canterbury Court, Monday, November 7, 2016, at 7:30 pm. Sea Slumber-Song Poem by the Hon. Roden Noel. Sea-birds are asleep/The world forgets to weep/Sea murmurs […]
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 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 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 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 […]
by Ellena on August 10, 2015
World Oceans presents Auglanta an inspiring and surprising multi-arts program Saturday, August 22, 2015 7:30 pm Best Western Plus 301 N. Central Avenue, Hapeville, GA 30354 General Admission Tickets $10; Students & Senior Citizens $8 Purchase at www.Auglanta.Eventbrite.com terrific music— songs* arias piano ditties funny stories improv skits movie highlights & more! Featured Artists James […]