September 23, 2016
HOUSTON – September 23, 2016 – Spend an evening celebrating the ancient and diverse connection between spirituality and music at the Rothko Chapel.
At 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 20, the Chapel is hosting soprano Bethany Baxter, who will present the “Spirit of Embrace,” a concert of chants from a variety of faith traditions, as well as classical chamber pieces inspired by sacred practices. The Rothko Chapel is located at 3900 Yupon St.
The concert is being presented in partnership with Da Camera of Houston, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing new listeners to the concert hall by showcasing top notch national and international musicians. Baxter is a Fellow in the Da Camera Young Artist Program.
“We couldn’t be more excited to have someone as talented as Bethany Baxter perform at the Chapel,” Rothko director of programs and community engagement Ashley Clemmer said. “This concert is an opportunity for music lovers and the community at large to express openness and welcome to people of all traditions and beliefs.”
Baxter is a soprano who has been a featured soloist and in lead opera roles in Baltimore, Los Angeles, Richmond and throughout her home state of Missouri. She currently resides in Houston, where she is participating in the Da Camera Young Artist Program, a fellowship for emerging professional instrumentalists, singers and composers.
Baxter completed her master’s degree from Peabody Conservatory, where she studied with the acclaimed Stanley Cornett and won the Peabody Award for Outstanding Voice Student. She has also been awarded the Florence Bentley Hughes Endowed Scholarship and won first place in the Southern California Philharmonic Young Artist Showcase Competition.
“This concert is a way for musicians, people of faith and the general community to step into the sound worlds of multiple faith traditions - hear a call to prayer, experience a candle blessing, sing a mantra, all in a welcoming place,” Baxter said. “I'm thrilled to provide an experience for people to show support of the many faiths represented in Houston. I experience music as inherently spiritual, so I believe it will be a meaningful time of opening our minds and hearts to the unifying power of music across all lines of faith.”
Prior to the concert, Baxter will be working at Wharton Dual Language Academy teaching 5th graders about the many roles of music in world religions as a way to deepen understanding of cultural identities.
“This concert will also serve as a place to hear exactly what they will be learning about,” Baxter said.
For registration, and for more information about the Rothko Chapel and the full calendar of upcoming programs, workshops and events, visit rothkochapel.org or call 713-524-9839.
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About the Rothko Chapel
The Rothko Chapel is open to the public every day of the year at no charge and successfully interconnects art, spirituality and compassionate action through a broad array of free public programs. Founded by Houston philanthropists Dominique and John de Menil, the Chapel was dedicated in 1971 as an intimate sanctuary. Today it stands as a monument to art, spirituality and human rights. As an independent non-profit, non-governmental organization, the Chapel depends on contributions from foundations and individuals to support its mission of creating a space for contemplation and dialogue on important issues.