Carleton’s Regional Carls Program

Illuminating Bolcom: Songs of Innocence and of Experience

Saturday, April 28, 2007, 5:30 p.m. Private Dinner

7 p.m.: "Concert Conversation" at Orchestra Hall; 8 p.m. Concert

Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis

Program Coordinators: Katryn Conlin ’78 & Drew Miller ’81

Conductor Philip Brunelle P’89 will conduct William Bolcom’s Songs of Innocence and of Experience on Saturday, April 28 at Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis. More than 400 musicians will be involved in the performance of this work, which was described by The New York Times as "a masterpiece of our time and place — gigantically ambitious." The work won four Grammys in 2006 and its composer was recently honored with the National Medal of Arts.

The VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers, Minnesota Chorale and Minnesota Boychoir will be joined by 13 vocal soloists (including a rock singer and a country balladeer) with full symphony orchestra plus fiddle, harmonica, electric guitars, bass and drums in this monumental setting of all 46 poems from William Blake’s Songs of Innocence and of Experience.

Live video and projected images of William Blake’s engravings ("illuminations") will enhance the concert experience in a production directed by Jon Cranney with unique lighting and set design.

Before the concert, we plan to organize a rare opportunity to dine with composer William Bolcom and his wife, mezzo soprano Joan Morris. Respondents will receive details when available.

Cost: Dinner will be treat yourself at a restaurant within walking distance of Orchestra Hall. Discounted tickets for the Carleton group will be $29.25, $22.85, or $17.25 (including all fees). Discounted group student tickets are $18.75, $14.75, or $11.75. (Students age 6-18 and college.) Make your reservations by April 20 by calling Katryn Conlin.