Song of Joy: The Mendelssohns

 is a joyful hour of music for chorus and orchestra that captures the spirit of Easter and the rebirth of spring. VocalEssence sings works by the siblings Fanny and Felix Mendelssohn. Felix was allowed to become a famous composer, even as that career path was closed to his equally talented sister. 

features choral settings by both siblings, showcasing their enormous talent and culminating with a festive 

 based on Psalms and other biblical texts.

John Birge has been hosting, producing and performing classical music for more than 25 years. Since 1997, he has been hosting on Minnesota Public Radio's Classical Music Service. He played French horn for the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestra and performed with them on their centennial tour of Europe in 1995. He was trained at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Eastman School of Music and Interlochen Arts Academy.


John Birge

Join John Birge in this joyful hour of music for chorus and orchestra that captures the spirit of Easter and the rebirth of spring. ‘Song of Joy: The Mendelssohns’ features choral settings by siblings Fanny and Felix Mendelssohn, showcasing their enormous talent and culminating with a festive ‘Hymn of Praise’ based on Psalms and other biblical texts.


Song of Joy: The Mendelssohns

Program