TACONIC OPERA PRESENTS THE WORLD PREMIERE OF NEW ORATORIO – DAVID

Currently in its 19^th season and past recipient of the Westchester County Arts Organization of the Year Award, Taconic Opera will be performing the world premiere performance of the oratorio David.  Composed by the company’s General and Artistic Director, author and composer, Dan Montez, it is based on the biblical story of King David who is most known for his victorious battle with the giant, Goliath.  The performance features four of the company’s principal opera singers, the Taconic Opera chorus, and full orchestra, and will be conducted by the composer himself.  You won’t want to miss this extraordinary event.

David is a well know figure in both the Hebrew and Christian bibles.  King David is viewed in biblical sources as a righteous and effective king both in battle and in providing civil and criminal justice.  The father of King Solomon, he was viewed by the Hebrew prophets as the ancestor of the future messiah.  This man, who was a musician and poet as well as a warrior, created great beauty and displayed both love and wisdom in his actions, yet he possessed a darker side which led him to commit despicable acts towards others for which he later repented.  In essence, he represents all the best and worst of humanity, and his personal battles included much more than the defeat of the now-famous Goliath who was brought down by a sling and a stone.

This is Montez’s sixth oratorio having its world premiere in Westchester County.  Comments from his past oratorios include: “Breathtaking!”, “I am in awe!”, “Sweeping harmonic and melodic gestures!”, and “Glorious!”  Montez’s compares his composing style to that of Fauré, Poulenc and Ravel, along with elements of opera.  His focus is on the story and the beauty of the music rather than on contemporary experimentation, making this and other oratorios he has written very accessible.

The company will be presenting performances of the oratorio in two locations: Saturday, March 25, 2017, at 7:30 pm at the Ossining United Methodist Church, 1 Emwilton Place/corner of Route 9, Ossining, NY; and Sunday, March 26, 2017, at 3:00 pm at the White Plains Presbyterian Church, 39 North Broadway, White Plains, NY.  Tickets are $27, $20 for seniors and $15 for students and can be purchased at the door, in advance online at www.taconicopera.org, or by calling Taconic Opera’s toll-free number (855) 886-7372.