A series of public concerts and lectures will be held at Yale University in conjunction with the 1997 Aston Magna Academy, which will take place at the University from June 15-July 6.
The Aston Magna Academy combines elements of a summer music festival, scholarly conference, and research institute. It brings together 80 scholars and artists for in-depth cross-disciplinary studies, performances and programs about baroque, classical and early romantic culture and music. Founded by Lee Elman and Albert Fuller in 1972, the Aston Magna Foundation is internationally recognized for the re-creation of seventeenth and eighteenth century music on period instruments.
Each year, the Academy focuses on a special topic. This year participants will study “From Handel to Hogarth: The Culture of Early Georgian England, 1714-1760,” exploring the art, politics, theater, cultural history, and music of England during the reigns of George I and George II. This was the age of Handel, painters Canaletto and Hogarth, poet Alexander Pope, and novelists Daniel Defoe and Henry Fielding. Public program highlights follow:
June 19: Andrew Lawrence-King presents “His Majesty’s Harper,” a lecture-recital with harp music by Carolan, William Lawes, Tomkins, Purcell, and Handel. Dwight Chapel, 67 High St. Enter from Old Campus. 8 p.m. Admission is free.
June 21: Steven Parissien, British architectural historian at the Paul Mellon Centre in London, presents “English Domestic Architecture in the Age of Handel.” Sudler Lecture Hall, William L. Harkness Hall, adjacent to Sprague Memorial Hall, 100 Wall St. 6 p.m. Admission is free.
June 21: Aston Magna Concert, “Chamber Music from Handel’s London.” Sally Sanford, guest artistic director. Jeffrey Gall, countertenor; David Thomas, bass; Stephen Hammer, oboe; Andrew Lawrence-King, harp and organ, and other artist-faculty members of the Aston Magna Academy. Sprague Memorial Hall, 470 College St. 8 p.m. Admission: $15; students and seniors — at the door $10.
June 26: David Thomas, bass, presents “Concert Songs of Richard Leveridge,” a lecture-recital featuring music composed for and by Handel’s great bass singer Richard Leveridge. With Raymond Erickson, harpsichord. Dwight Chapel, 67 High St. 8 p.m. Admission is free.
June 28: Ronald Paulson, professor of art history and literature at Johns Hopkins University, presents “Art, Literature, and the Stage in 18th-Century England.” Sudler Lecture Hall, William L. Harkness Hall, adjacent to Sprague Memorial Hall, 100 Wall St. 6 p.m. Admission is free.
June 28: Aston Magna Concert, “The Triumph of Time and Truth.” Handel’s first oratorio, 1707. Daniel Stepner, artistic director. Sharon Baker, soprano; Judith Malafronte, mezzo-soprano; Jeffrey Gall, countertenor; William Hite, tenor; and instrumentalists. Sprague Memorial Hall, 470 College St. 8 p.m. Admission: $15; students and seniors at the door $10.
July 3: Charlotte Mattax and friends present “A Night at the Opera,” a lecture-recital featuring keyboard arrangements of operatic works by Handel, Rameau, and Lully, as well as arias and duets by Handel. Dwight Chapel, 67 High Street. 8 p.m. Admission is free.
July 5: Carol Marsh, dance historian, presents “Dance in the London Theater, 1715-1760,” a lecture-demonstration. Assisted by dancers Ken Pierce and Linda Tomko in baroque costume. Whitney Humanities Center Auditorium, 53 Wall St. 6 p.m. Admission is free.
July 5: Aston Magna Concert, “Music of Handel, Bach and Telemann,” Sally Sanford, guest artistic director. Jeanne Lamon, baroque violin; John Thiessen, baroque trumpet; Charlotte Mattax, harpsichord; Brent Wissick, baroque cello, and others. Sprague Memorial Hall, 470 College St. 8 p.m. Admission: $15; students and seniors — at the door $10.
For further information, please call 800-875-7156.
