This exciting show, originally broadcast on Saturday Februrary 27, featured conversation with Dr. Jude Pfister, Chief of Cultural Resources at Morristown National Historical Park, Washington''s Headquarters Museum in Morristown, New Jersey. The show also featured soprano Timmie Cole, mezzo-soprano Tess Giardina, and Drew scholar Amy Hester.
Response to the show was so positive, we have edited it and are re-broadcasting it in case you missed it or would like the chance to watch it again.
In 2006, Dr. Pfister, working with the extensive document collection at the museum, discovered the original 1693 manuscript of Alesssandro Scarlattii''s masterpiece oratorio La Giuditta. Working with Maestro Butts and the orchestra, the oratorio was edited and the first complete modern day performances were presented. This began the impressive collaboration between the park and the orchestra, culminating in several concerts in which music was performed and/or newly composed to coincide with exhibits of the rare historic documentts such as the Scarlatti manuscript complete with dedicatory letter.
Another exiting discovery was a first edition of a book of poetry from 1763 by African American poet Phillis Wheatley. Maestro Butts composed two songs set to her complex and beautiful poetry. The songs and the document were presented together at a special event called Treasures from the Vault in collaboration with Morris Tourism and at Drew University.
Soprano Timmie Cole sang the lead role of Giuditta (Judith), Mezzo-soprano Tess Giardina in all performances sang the role of Ozia, leader of the Hebrew people under siege from Olofernes.
Amy Hester presented papers on Phillis Wheatley
Don''t miss this very special celebration of great music, great poetry, great scholarship, and great collaborations. Admission is Free.
Let''s meet at YouTube Premiere - we won''t be able to see each other, but we will be able to say hello and comment through the chat box.
