Hesperus is Phosphorus
Network joins the dazzling singers of The Crossing, directed by Donald Nally, in the world premiere of a major new concert-length chamber work by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Lewis Spratlan, described by the New York Times as “a master of timbres and how to blend them.” Hesperus is Phosphorus will loosely take the form of a kind of secular vespers – a passage, or crossing, through the philosophical and spiritual canyons of our time.
Hesperus, or Vesper – the evening star – was thought by the ancient Greeks to be distinct from Phosphorus, the morning star. Eventually accepting the Babylonian belief that these were in fact one and the same, the Greeks lost two stars but gained another: a moving star (our planet Venus), a “greater god,” and a change in faith. This paradox of gain and loss is familiar to us as we look back through these same stars, seeing truths we had previously thought beyond our knowledge.
Drawing on the words of American poets, playwrights, and physicists, Spratlan’s music explores growth and loss in our ever-expanding world of discovery. This is a “not-to-be-missed” major premiere by one of America’s most thoughtful, insightful composers.
Pre-concert talk with the composer on Saturday, June 2, at 7:00 PM.
Saturday, June 2, 2012 ~ 8:00 pm
Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill
8855 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia
Tickets: $18/$27 in advance, $20/$30 at the door
Buy your tickets through The Crossing website!
Due to heavy demand, advance purchase is strongly recommended.
(Buy your ticket in advance and save 10% over the price at the door — and the $2 ticket fee is waived.)
Tuesday, June 5, 2012 ~ 7:30 pm
Park Avenue Christian Church
1010 Park Avenue at 85th Street, New York City
Tickets: $25/$35
Buy your tickets through the Park Avenue Christian Church website!