Our Music Director, Zoe Vandermeer, in concert
The music of John Dowland (1563-1626) ranges from heartfelt, to lively, to reflective and deeply profound. A renowned lutenist, tenor and composer, John Dowland's music is an extraordinary culmination of the polyphonic Renaissance compositional style in England. He wrote beautifully for the voice, intertwined with echoes and contrapuntal support in the lute, here presented with a Welsh triple harp in an intimate rendition of Dowland's genius. Vocal and instrumental selections are featured from his Books 1, 2, 3, A Pilgrim's Solace, and A Musical Banquet. For contrast, selections by his contemporaries are also presented, such as those of Alfonso Ferrabosco the Younger, William Byrd, and others. The soothing sounds of subtle vocals accompanied by delicate harp strings can calm the nerves, encourage a sense of peace, and provide a special moment of reflection and solace. Previews of each of the program can be found here:
About
Zoe Vandermeer's solo soprano and triple harp album 'Angel's Wine, the Songs of John Dowland', was recently released by Centaur Records on international online platforms. Zoe Vandermeer has been on the Roster of the CT Commission on Culture and Tourism since 2011. Specializing in Renaissance, Baroque, Classical and Early 19th century repertoire as well as her own compositions, Ms. Vandermeer has given soprano and harp performances at the Bloomington Early Music Festival, International Festival de Deia Spain, Rio International Harp Festival Brazil, Glasgow International Early Music Festival, American Harp Society, American Swedish Historical Museum Philadelphia, New Salem Museum MA, and elsewhere. Ms. Vandermeer has been a featured guest on WFIU Indiana, KVON Napa, Moray Firth Radio Scotland, and elsewhere. She is a prize-winning graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and is currently engaged in her Masters in Research in Performance Practice at the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom. www.sopranoandharp.com
Reviews
'There is much to commend on this recording of Dowland songs, sung as you have (probably) never heard them before, to the accompaniment of the triple harp, instead of the lute...it represents a splendidly self-assured recital by a self- accompanist.. a highly talented musician.' - UK Lute Society Journal
Zoe Vandermeer lucidly depicts the seemingly dark era [of John Dowland] of unrequited loves and melancholy. Her rich, endearing voice with the daunting task of playing masterly a triple strung harp demonstrate clearly the timelessness of a beautiful song and a dedicated artist. - Mountain Stream Gazette, Vermont
Vandermeer as an actress owns excellent diction and remarkable dramatic skills...fascinating voice, subtle touch all embarked in harp strings... Diari de Balears, Spain