Sensory-Accessible Concert - Mezzo Soprano, French Horn, and Piano

ARTISTS: Paula Rockwell, mezzo-soprano; Mary Lee, horn; Jennifer King, piano

Welcome the new year with another enchanting performance in our series of Sensory-Accessible Concerts, presented in partnership with the Halifax Central Library. This early January concert brings our host, curator, and pianist Jennifer King together with Symphony Nova Scotia hornist Mary Lee for a thoughtful program of winter-inspired works that includes Richard Bissell's "Song of a New World" and Ameican-Canadian composer Elizabeth Raum's "Romance." Jennifer and Mary will be joined by mezzo-soprano Paula Rockwell for vocal performances of Hector Berlioz's gripping "Le jeune Pâtre breton" from "Fleurs des landes", based on the work of poet Auguste Brizeux, Sting's wistful "You Only Cross My Mind in Winter" inspired by J.S. Bach, and Gustav Holst's perennial gem "In the Bleak Midwinter" based on the poem by Christina Rossetti. The mezzo-soprano will also narrate a selection of the ancient Aesop's Fables set to music for piano and horn by American composer Anthony Plog. Sensory-Accessible Concerts are designed to be welcoming, friendly, and accessible for autistic, neurodivergent, and intellectually disabled community members of all ages and their families. They are open to the public free of charge on select Sunday afternoons at the Halifax Central Library's Paul O'Regan Hall. Seating is limited, and registration is required.

Hornist Mary Lee started playing the horn at the age of 12 in Toronto, the city where she grew up and went to university. She followed her undergraduate studies with a year at the Utrecht Conservatory in the Netherlands, where she was able to focus on 2 of her favourite things: orchestra and chamber music! A winding road finally led Mary to Halifax, where she has long since resided, playing with Symphony Nova Scotia and teaching the horn-another one of her treasured pastimes. Energetic and insightful, Jennifer King is a versatile, award-winning pianist who is equally at home as a soloist or a collaborator on the concert stage. With a career spanning almost three decades, she has established herself as a sought-after performer and recording artist in the region. She performs with many respected soloists and multidisciplinary artists throughout the Maritimes. Mezzo-soprano, Paula Rockwell, has been steeped in musical projects, performances, and music festivals in Canada and the United States and is on the faculty at Acadia’s School of Music. Rockwell recently released her CD "Unwrapped: Finally Surfacing", featuring original songs. She will be the music director for Stage Prophets’ production of Jesus Christ Superstar, June 2-4, 2023, at Acadia University’s Arena.

Host or Publisher Cecilia Concerts