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The Strings’ annual benefit in the intimate and
acoustically superb Bennett-Gordon Hall at Ravinia
always brings stellar artists to center stage. Soprano
Michelle Areyzaga, an alumna of the Ravinia Steans
Music Institute is well known in Chicago and abroad for her
vocal versatility. In the music of Brazilian composer Villa-Lobos,
which marries folk music with the style of J.S. Bach, Areyzaga’s
artistry has a remarkable vehicle. Israeli cellist and recording
artist Amit Peled, in his third appearance with the Strings,
will perform Victor Herbert’s Cello Concerto No. 2, considered
the composer’s classical masterpiece, although the Irish-born
composer-cellist is best known for his operettas and works for
the musical theater. It is this concerto that is said to have been
the inspiration for Dvorak’s Cello Concerto. Close connections
continue with Dvorak’s Symphony from the "New World," in
which the romantic composer juxtaposes indigenous
American folk music with the spirit of his native Bohemia.
"Of the vocal soloists, the most impressive singing came from the ever-dependable soprano Michelle
Areyzaga in a radiant and fluent "Laudamus te" as well as in her Christe eleison" duet."
– John von Rhein, Chicago Tribune
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Amit Peled
"The flair of the young Rostropovich"
– American Record Guide
Michelle Areyzaga
"a gleaming voice and
tone suffused with light"
– Chicago Sun-Times
Villa-Lobos
Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 for Soprano and 8 Cellos
Michelle Areyzaga, soprano
Herbert
Concerto No. 2 for Cello and Orchestra in E Minor, Op. 30
Amit Peled,cello
Dvorak
Symphony No. 9 in E Minor,
Op. 95 ("New World")
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