Purcell’s London
Britain’s Exuberant Early Baroque
with chamber orchestra
ProArteOHIO
Time & Place
Date: Sun, Oct 26, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM & 5:30 Post-Concert Reception
St. Mary Catholic Church | 684 S Third St, Columbus, OH 43206
About the Concert
Purcell’s London | Britain’s Exuberant Early Baroque
ProArte launches its season with an extravagant performance featuring the work of England’s finest composer of the 17th century. Henry Purcell (1659-1695) served as organist of both the Chapel Royal and Westminster Abbey during the reigns of William III and Mary II and composed in such a way as to fuse Italian and French elements with the music of his native country to create a new English sound. Though having lived only a short life, Purcell was nonetheless a prolific composer writing music for the Church of England, the theatre, and the royal court in addition to over 100 songs for voice. His compositional style was to profoundly influence that of G.F. Handel a generation later.
Our performance showcases an assembled baroque band of gut string players, baroque oboes and recorders, a lute, baroque bassoon, and trumpets and drums! Special guest, Grammy-nominated countertenor Daniel Moody, joins his talents with those of Elizabeth McConnaughey, Samuel Witmer, and the vocal artists of ProArteOHIO to present this not-to-miss vocal baroque performance of the season!
Soloists
Daniel Moody | countertenor | Vancouver, BC
Elizabeth McConnaughey | soprano | Columbus, OH
Samuel Witmer | baritone | Bloomington, IN
PROGRAM
Anthems for the Church of England
Rejoice in the Lord Alway (1685)
O Sing unto the Lord (1688)
Entertainment for the London Theatre
Excerpts from comic opera, The Fairy Queen (1692)
Symphony
Come, All Ye Songsters
Scene of the Drunken Poet
If Love’s a Sweet Passion
Instrumental Air in C
They Shall Be as Happy
Lute Song for Chambers
Title to be announced!
Celebrations for the Royal Court
Come, Ye Sons of Art—a birthday ode for QueenMary(1694)
Overture
Come, Ye Sons of Art - countertenor and chorus
Sound the Trumpet - duet for two countertenors
Come, Ye Sons of Art - chorus reprise
Strike the Viol, Touch the Lute - countertenor
The Day That Such a Blessing Gave - baritone and chorus
Bid the Virtues, Bid the Graces - soprano
These are the Sacred Charms - baritone
See Nature Rejoicing - baritone, soprano, and chorus
Please note that there will be a reception immediately following the concert in Heritage Hall. Join us for refreshments and the opportunity to meet the artists.