Harvard Choir and Mozart Society to perform ‘Creation’

The Harvard University Choir and the Mozart Society Orchestra join together in a performance of “The Creation,” composed by Franz Joseph Haydn, under the direction of conductor Robert Lehmann. The concert features soloists Jean Danton as Gabriel, Mark Risinger as Raphael, and Thomas Gregg as Uriel. The performance takes place at 8 p.m. on Sunday, April 8, in Sanders Theatre. Tickets are available at the door or through the Harvard Box Office at (617) 496-2222.

“The Creation” is one of Haydn’s masterpieces, based on Genesis, the Psalms, and John Milton’s poem “Paradise Lost.” It is a very pictorial piece with Haydn using the orchestra to represent what is happening in the libretto; using a double bassoon to imitate cows, for example.

The Harvard University Choir is maintained by the University to sing choral literature in the Sunday morning services in the Memorial Church, as well as to present the annual Carol Services and concerts of major choral works.

The Mozart Society Orchestra (MSO) was founded in 1984 and is under the direction of Robert Lehmann, who has served as music director since 1998. Lehmann is in his fourth season as music director of the Mozart Society Orchestra.

Jean Danton, soprano and a member of the voice faculty for the Harvard University Choir, has performed under conductors such as Christopher Hogwood, Helmuth Rilling, Andrew Parrott, and Harry Ellis Dickson. She has performed at Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Center.

Tenor Thomas Gregg is the director of vocal studies for the Harvard University Choir, and teaches at the Boston Conservatory.

An alumnus of the Harvard University Choir, bass Mark Risinger has appeared on both sides of the Atlantic in concert, opera, and recital, in works ranging from the 16th to the 20th century. Praised by critics for his “vocal opulence” and “heroic virtuosity,” Risinger’s recent seasons have included performances of Verdi’s “Requiem,” Schubert’s “Die Winterreise,” and the bass roles in Handel’s “Joseph and His Brethren,” and “Rodelinda.” Risinger has recorded for the Northeastern, Koch, and Telarc record labels.