Grass Valley, CA — Music in the Mountains (MIM) is thrilled to announce its upcoming spring choral concert, Songs of the Heart: Love Across Culture and Time, to be held on Saturday, April 26th at 2:00 PM at Peace Lutheran Church (828 W Main St, Grass Valley, CA). This captivating program explores the many facets of love—romantic, platonic, spiritual, and eternal—through a rich selection of musical works spanning from the Renaissance era to the present day.
Under the direction of Ariel May, the concert will feature a stunning array of songs, from Johannes Brahms to Eric Whitacre, celebrating the universal expression of love across different cultures and languages, including Hebrew, Spanish, English, French, German, and Italian. The MIM Chorus is proud to showcase mezzo-soprano Sarah Saturnino, a local talent and renowned opera star, who has performed with prestigious companies like LA Opera and the Metropolitan Opera.
“We are incredibly excited to present this beautiful program,” said MIM Chorus President Robbie Merchant. “It’s a celebration of love in all its forms, and I believe the audience will be deeply moved by the powerful harmonies and performances. Having Sarah back in Grass Valley to perform with us is truly a special treat—we can’t wait to share this extraordinary concert with everyone.”
The performance will feature several small ensembles within the chorus, as well as solos by Sarah Saturnino, ensuring an evening filled with heartfelt music and emotional resonance.
Ms. Saturnino was born and raised in Nevada County, is a National Grand Finalist Winner of the 2023 Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition, has placed in the top ten in the Brava! Competition two years (2018/2019) in a row and was a Grand Finalist in the Talents of the World Competition in 2018. Miss Saturnino graduated cum laude from the University of California, Los Angeles with a Bachelor of Arts: Vocal Performance and a Music Industry Minor in 2016. She graduated with honors from the Yale University School of Music with a Masters of Music in 2018.
The ensembles and featured soloist will be accompanied by acclaimed pianist Jennifer Reason. Reason is a vibrant young performer in consistent demand, currently Ensemble-in-Residence at CSU Sacramento. She has appeared in solo and ensemble performances across 15 states and 14 countries, including such prestigious venues as Carnegie Hall, the Vatican, and the Liszt Academy in Prague. She has recently concluded her eight year tenure as the Artistic Director of RSVP, an acapella group that sings to raise money for local charities, during which time they were nominated for an Emmy. Away from the concert hall, Ms. Reason is the Midday Classical Host and Local Music Manager for Capital Public Radio.
This concert is sure to capture the hearts of all in attendance. Whether it’s the playful laments from Shakespeare’s Three Madrigals, Brahms’ heartfelt Der Gang Zum Liebchen, or the tender beauty of Dickau’s I Carry Your Heart, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Tickets are available for $55, with youth 17 and under admitted free with a reserved ticket. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.musicinthemountains.org or call 530-265-6124.
Music in the Mountains continues to foster a vibrant cultural presence in Nevada County, offering world-class classical music concerts and supporting music education for the next generation of musicians.
Event Details:
- What: Songs of the Heart: Love Across Culture and Time
- Where: Peace Lutheran Church, 828 W Main St, Grass Valley, CA
- When: Saturday, April 26th at 2:00 PM
- Tickets: $55 (Youth 17 and under free with reserved ticket)
- More Information: www.musicinthemountains.org or 530-265-6124
- Email: info@musicinthemountains.org
About Music in the Mountains:
Music in the Mountains is a professional classical music organization dedicated to producing world-class concerts with exceptional musicians and providing music education to future generations of classical musicians in Nevada County. Join us for workshops, live concerts, or support music education through donations. Volunteer opportunities are also available. For more information, visit www.musicinthemountains.org or contact us at info@musicinthemountains.org