This online Dessoff Dialogue explores the rich history of The Dessoff Choirs, a cultural institution in New York City for 96 years. Our conversation will be centered around the contributions to the choral arts from Margarete Dessoff, founder and music director of The Dessoff Choirs from 1924 to 1936 through the leadership of Malcolm J. Merriweather. We are delighted to have Sabine Fröhlich, author of Margarete Dessoff (1874-1944), Choral Conductor of a Modern Age, to share her expertise on Dessoff's founder. Excerpts from The Dessoff Choirs’ extensive discography will be played alongside virtual choir videos performed by current members.
PROGRAM:
Israel in Egypt, HWV 54: VII. “He Gave Them Hailstones for Rain” from Symphony of the Air (1959) – G.F. Handel (1685-1759):
The Last Words of David from Glories on Glories (2009) – Randall Thompson (1899-1984)
Lord, how long wilt Thou be angry from Baroque Choral Music (1950) – Henry Purcell (1659-1695)
Sicut Cervus, The Dessoff Choirs virtual recording (2021) – Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (c. 1525-1594)