THE DOWN EAST SINGERS and Mozart Mentors Orchestra will perform a concert at 5 p.m. Monday at Camden Opera House.
A Down East Singers release describes the program as follows:
Handel, a German composer, had recently moved to London to establish his career in England. He saw that he needed to gain not only attention but acceptance as a foreigner.
The Peace of Utrecht was the first diplomatically negotiated settlement of a war in world history. Handel gambled that if he wrote music to celebrate the peace settlement — which ended 13 years of war with France — he would gain the fame he sought.
He wrote the music before the treaty was signed and simultaneously got to know Queen Anne. His gamble paid off. His music was chosen for the Service of Thanksgiving in June 1713.
The music is scored for soloists (sung by members of Down East Singers) and orchestra.
Also on the program are Shaker hymns and Afro- American spirituals on the subject of peace.
The concert will begin with an invocation by Robert Rheault, retired from the U.S. Army Special Forces, and the National Anthem in an arrangement by Igor Stravinsky.
Admission costs $15. Students younger than 18 are admitted free of charge. Tickets are available online at www.downeastsingers.org, from members of Down East Singers or at the Camden Opera House Box Office on the day of the performance.
For information, call 236- 8328 or visit www.downeastsingers.org.
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