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Evensong: Of Love and Angels

Of Love and Angels

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Dominick Argento and Carolyn Bailey
Dominick Argento and Carolyn Bailey were married for nearly 40 years before her death in 2006. Argento considers the piece he wrote after her death his best work.
Photo courtesy: VocalEssence

This coming Friday, VocalEssence performs "Evensong," the latest work by Minnesota composer Dominick Argento.

Three years ago, Argento lost his wife and muse Carolyn. When she died, he thought his will to compose music had died as well.

But before she passed away, she convinced him to accept a commission from Washington's National Cathedral.

The piece he composed is called "Evensong: Of Love and Angels." The music is a memorial to their love, and Carolyn's love of Angels.

VocalEssence performs Evensong at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis this Friday.

The concert is at 8 p.m., and I will be joined by Dominick and Vern Sutton for a pre-concert conversation beginning at 7 p.m.

Gallery
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Philip Brunelle
Philip Brunelle conducts the Midwest premiere of Dominick Argento's "Evensong." Most of the text is original, but includes words from the office of Evening Prayer, the service for the close of day.
Krivit Photography
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Dominick Argento and Carolyn Bailey in Italy
Dominick Argento and Carolyn Bailey were married for nearly 40 years before her death in 2006. Argento considers the piece he wrote after her death his best work.
Photo courtesy: VocalEssence
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Dominick and Carolyn at a favorite Italian cafe
Carolyn Bailey was Argento's wife and muse - even after her death when he composed a work to memorialize their love - as well as her special affinity for angels.
Photo courtesy: VocalEssence

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