Melodia Women’s Choir, New York City’s premier women’s chorus, is thrilled to present its Spring 2025 concert, "A Brighter Garden," on Saturday, May 3 at 7:00 PM at the Church of St. Luke in the Fields, 487 Hudson Street. The concert will showcase an intriguing blend of choral works, offering a musical bouquet of beauty, passion and surprise.

"'A Brighter Garden' is a potpourri of everything we love about music -- from ethereal Bulgarian folk harmonies to the sumptuous choral sounds of Fauré, all woven together with an affinity for beauty and expressiveness," says Cynthia Powell, artistic director and conductor of Melodia.

Three selections by the Bulgarian Folk Choir (Erghen Dada, Polegnala e todora and Bre Petrunka) kick off the evening and reflect Melodia’s commitment to showcasing female voices. Executive Director Jenny Clarke speaks to the power of the Bulgarian choral conventions. "These folk pieces are sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats with their unique contrast to Western choral traditions. Audiences will hear distinct sounds like close intervals which create this thrilling, slightly dissonant shimmer, a signature feature of Bulgarian folk polyphony. They'll also hear complex, irregular meters—like 7/8 or 11/8 time—so the beats don’t fall into predictable patterns."

"A Brighter Garden" brings together a stellar ensemble of instrumental musicians, including Janet Sora Chung on piano, Allison Sniffin on organ, Samantha White on flute, Paige Andrews on percussion and Rachel Drehmann on French horn. The program features a dynamic range of compositions, from the classical elegance of Fauré’s Messe Basse to the soulful sounds of Paul Halley’s choral arrangements. The inclusion of the Messe Basse -- featured in Melodia’s very first concert in 2004 -- marks a poignant return to the roots of the chorus, while the inclusion of iconic works like Shenandoah are sure to resonate with audiences familiar with the staple.

This unique concert will feature music that Melodia has cherished for years, including:

• Messe Basse by Gabriel Fauré: A delicate and intimate mass setting for women's voices and organ (or harmonium) that lives up to its name -- "Low Mass" -- with understated beauty.
• Improperium by McNeil Robinson: traditionally sung on Good Friday, Improperium is Robinson's powerful setting of Christ’s lament to his people.
• Pie Jesu by Andrew Lloyd Webber: from Lloyd Webber’s Requiem, sets the traditional Pie Jesu text with soaring simplicity.
• A Brighter Garden by Paul Halley: A luminous, introspective song cycle. Halley combines lyricism with modern harmonic color, bringing out both the mystery and joy in words by Emily Dickinson and Isaac Watts.

"The diverse soundscape of this concert offers something for every listener to enjoy. It’s more than a performance; each piece is sure to uplift, inspire and heal. We can’t wait to share these timeless, moving works with our audience," Powell states.

Experience a captivating collection of choral music in the heart of New York City's West Village. Advance tickets are $25; tickets for students and seniors are $20. Tickets at the door are $30. Seating is limited. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Eventbrite. A free virtual broadcast of the concert will be available on June 14, 2025 at 7:00 PM via YouTube. Registration is required. To learn more and stay updated on Melodia Women's Choir follow Melodia on social media and visit the group's website at www.melodiawomenschoir.org.

About Melodia

Melodia is a renowned women’s choral ensemble that has been delighting New York City audiences with its powerful and evocative performances for over two decades. Known for its diverse repertoire, which spans everything from traditional choral music to contemporary works, Melodia is committed to creating compelling musical experiences that resonate with listeners and celebrate the power of women’s voices in music.