At a Crossroad: Will You Live, Love, or Die?

Join Burning River Baroque for a diverse concert full of surprising plot twists and compelling questions about how we engage with each other in relationships. This intriguing program of French cantatas and harpsichord solos features works by Élisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre, Julie Pinel, and Nicolas Racot de Grandval. Will Sémele live to see her lover appear as a God? What does this myth, and our personal reactions to it, suggest about how cultures view trust, honesty, and infidelity in men and women? In Grandval’s comedic rendition of the story of the Widow of Ephesus, one soprano plays six different characters – and although this miniature operatic work is quite funny, it raises more serious questions about a culture’s view of widowhood and inspires us to think about and examine what we owe the deceased. Ultimately, we must each find the balance between pursuing our own happiness and pleasing others. This captivating hour of exquisite music will raise questions, challenge beliefs, and provide an excellent side of humor for good measure.

Malina Rauschenfels, soprano & baroque violin
Paula Maust, harpsichord

Friday, May 18, 2018 ~ 7:30pm
The Institute at St. John’s
2600 Church Ave, Cleveland, OH

Suggested donation, $10–$20

“Burning River Baroque left an indelible imprint on my psyche.”
–The Boston Musical Intelligencer

This project is supported in part by the Cleveland Foundation.