Composer: HANDEL

Information:
This is an important release presenting one of the most impressive and richly sonorous voices on today's vocal scene. Patrice Djerejian, a gifted contralto who performs regularly in the US and Europe, is gaining international recognition for her captivating voice and radiant stage presence. Ms. Djerejian's passionate spirit, open heart and natural presence are irresistably communicated to her audiences.
She was born in South Carolina of Armenian-American parents and grew up in an unusually extensive musical background. She studied piano, violin, organ, voice, drama, and dance. At 16 she won a piano concerto competition performing the Mendelssohn G Minor Concerto.
Recent and upcoming performances include her Carnegie Hall debut with the American Composers Orchestra, performing music of Leonard Bernstein; her Weill Recital Hall debut; appearances as soloist in performances of Mahler's Symphony No.2, and soloist with CAMI's Community Concerts series. Ms. Djerejian has performed many operatic roles, including Maddalena in Rigoletto, Suzuki in Madama Butterfly, Orlofsky in Die Fledermaus, Nancy in Albert Herring, and Meg in Falstaff. Djerejian created the role of Gossip in the World Premiere of Bright Sheng's opera The Song of Majnun, co-produced by the Houston Grand Opera and the Aspen Opera Theater Center. She is also known for her work as soloist in oratorios, among them J.S.Bach's Christmas Oratorio, Vivaldi's Gloria, Handel's Messiah, Mendelssohn's Elijah, and Saint-Saens' Christmas Oratorio.
John Barker in American Record Guide says her voice belongs with the rarified company of Nathalie Stutzmann and Ewa Podles. He also writes, "In the singing of the young Patrice Djerejian...there is much to admire. The voice...is rich and warm, the technique more than adequately clean and flexible...the singer and her collaborators achieve many touches that are beautiful and moving...This is clearly a singer to watch".
Bernard Jacobson in Fanfare Magazine has written concerning this recording, "...an obviously very talented and serious singer....she has a secure virtuosic technique as well as a fine dramatic spirit to go with her rich vocal color. She is able to dig into the emotional content of each piece to fine theatrical effect."
The support of Sir Philip Ledger and the English Chamber Orchestra cap off a disc which really needs to be heard, broadcast and written about, because Ms. Djerejian's career will only blossom and her fully-talented recordings will only increase.
But...wait, there is still more...the second disc included in the jewel case is a 17:30 minute DVD of Patrice in rehearsal for this recording. It is enjoyable and relays the singer's deep dedication to this always challenging repertoire.