Exploring Scripture Through Music
Exploring Scripture Through Music
A unique event combining performances of new sacred music with discussion.
Performed by violinist Angela Harkins and soprano Michelle Areyzaga this interactive event features new psalm-inspired works for violin and a new art song based on the text to the classic hymn “For All the Saints”
THURSDAY, 1 JUNE 2023 6:30
Wheaton College Conservatory of Music, Wheaton, Illinois
PRESENTED AS PART OF THE CRESCENDO-NORTH AMERICA NATIONAL RETREAT
Michelle Areyzaga, soprano
Angela Waterman Hanson, violin
Delvyn Case, moderator, composer, pianist
COMPOSITIONS
Two of the three violin compositions featured at this event have recently been released on Deus Ex Musica Records’ new recording SEARCH ME, O GOD - New Violin Works Inspired by the Psalms. Listen to the complete album here.
Joelle Wallach: Beside the Still Waters (Psalm 23)
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
Delvyn Case - Psalm 133
“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!
It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!”
Ng Yu Hng - Why do you bury your face in the pillow? (Psalm 44)
“Get up, GOD! Are you going to sleep all day?
Wake up! Don’t you care what happens to us?
Why do you bury your face in the pillow?”
Delvyn Case - For all the saints
“For all the saints who from their labors rest, who thee by faith before the world confessed, hy name, O Jesus, be forever blest.
Alleluia! Alleluia!”
ABOUT THE PERFORMERS
Angela Waterman Hanson is Adjunct Professor of Violin at Bethel University and at the Free Lutheran Bible College and Seminary, both since 2008. She also maintains a private teaching studio out of her home. In addition, Dr. Hanson is an avid performer in the Twin Cities area. She has been a member of the Minnesota Opera Orchestra since 2005 (and concertmaster during the 2006-2007 season), and has performed as a substitute violinist for the Minnesota Orchestra and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. She is the concertmaster of the Saint Paul Civic Symphony and plays regularly with the Minnesota Sinfonia. She completed her Doctor of Music Arts degree in violin performance at the University of Minnesota, where she worked with internationally known pedagogue Sally O’Reilly. Originally from Wheaton, Illinois, Hanson holds a Bachelor of Music degree in violin performance from St. Olaf College, where she studied under Charles Gray, and a Master’s degree in violin performance also from the University of Minnesota.
Praised for her “radiant and all-encompassing soprano” (Chicago Tribune), Michelle Areyzaga performs a diverse range of orchestral, oratorio, opera, and chamber repertoire. As a “consummate vocal actress” (Fanfare), she is held in high regard throughout the United States and abroad for her “appealing, expressive soprano” (New York Times). Michelle has appeared as soloist with orchestras and festivals across the country including the Chicago Symphony, Chicago Philharmonic, Buffalo Philharmonic, Minnesota Orchestra, Phoenix Symphony, and many others. Michelle has also sung leading roles for New York City Opera, Chicago Opera Theater, Opera Birmingham, and other regional companies. Highly respected for her work as an avid chamber musician and recitalist, Michelle has been a repeat guest of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the New York Festival of Song, the Avalon String Quartet, The Lincoln Trio, and has been a member of the Chicago Ensemble since the beginning of her career. Renowned for her artistry with new music and contemporary composers, Ms. Areyzaga has been honored to perform and record multiple world-premieres for composers Gwyneth Walker, Lita Grier, Stacy Garrop, Fabio Luisi, and Gustavo Leone. As a lifelong champion of Leonard Bernstein’s music, Michelle was named Musical Ambassador of the Ravinia Festival’s Bernstein at 100 Centennial Celebration. Ms. Areyzaga is artist faculty at Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University and Northeastern Illinois University.