[Libera: Works by Bonds, Hayes, Mendelssohn, Onovwerosuoke and Puccini; Marlissa Hudson, soprano; Peter Henderson, pianist; AMP Records AGCD 2106 (47:45)]
By Sarah Bryan Miller
Post-Dispatch Classical Music Critic
Posted: Sunday, March 27, 2011
“Soprano Marlissa Hudson has moved to Washington from her native St. Louis to build her career on the busy East Coast — but she's still very much a part of the local music scene. On Friday night, she'll celebrate her latest milestone with a recital and CD signing party. Entitled 'Libera,' the recording is a mixture of African songs by Fred Onovwerosuoke, spirituals jazzily arranged by Mark Hayes, and classics by Puccini and Mendelssohn, in what Hudson calls 'a purposeful classical mashup of composers.' It's available for download on iTunes, and in both hard copy and downloading through Amazon.com and CDBaby.com.
“Onovwerosuoke, better known as FredO, is a Ghanaian of Nigerian ancestry and a talented composer who is published by Oxford University Press. 'FredO is really the reason the CD happened,' Hudson says. 'Our kids went to same school' in St. Louis. When Hudson and FredO met, met, they clicked musically. FredO introduced Hudson to pianist Peter Henderson, a stalwart with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, and other performers. 'When I heard Peter play, I said, “Whatever it is, if he's playing, I'll sing it,"' Hudson says.”
“For Friday's recital, Hudson will be accompanied by pianist Darryl Hollister, with assists from flutist Wendy Hymes, violinist Jessica Platt, violist Tanya Couture and cellist Kristin Sage, in a program that will include selections from the CD along with other songs. Now living in McLean, Va., Hudson is working, auditioning and performing. She'll sing the principal role of Sister Rose in Union Avenue Opera's production of Jake Heggie's 'Dead Man Walking' in August, and she's busy with church and oratorio gigs in the Washington area.”
“The Intercultural Music Initiative Concert Series presents soprano Marlissa Hudson in recital
Where • Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 826 Union Boulevard
When • 7 p.m. Friday
How much • $10 ($5 for students and children under 12)
More info • 314-367-8173 or 314-652-6800
