Grammy-Nominated Countertenor Reginald Mobley Joins Music of the Baroque for Concerts Nov. 20-21

Twice Grammy-nominated countertenor Reginald Mobley joins Music of the Baroque for "Reginald Mobley Sings," 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 20 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, and 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21 at the Harris Theater in Millennium Park. Also performing will be the Music of the Baroque Chorus, under the direction of Andrew Megill, along with the Music of the Baroque Orchestra. Conducting will be Nicholas Kraemer, Music of the Baroque's principal guest conductor since 2002.

"The common thread in our November program is Reginald Mobley's remarkable countertenor voice," says Kraemer.

Mobley's voice of "pure of tone, immaculate in his articulation" (The Herald) will be showcased in arias from two of George Frideric Handel's acclaimed operas: "Cara sposa," from "Rinaldo and "Fammi combattere" from "Orlando." Mobley will also be featured in excerpts from Handel's oratorio "Belshazzar": "O'Sacred Oracles,""See from his post Euphrates lies" and "I will magnify thee" from the closing scene.

The Music of the Baroque Chorus will be highlighted in Henry Purcell's "Welcome to all the Pleasures," "Fantasia on a Ground" and "Hear my Prayer, O Lord." Performances by Music of the Baroque's orchestra of J.S. Bach's Brandenburg Concerto #4, and lively dances from William Croft's Suite, "The Comedy call'd the Funeral Music" will complete the program.

Music of the Baroque presents "Reginald Mobley Sings" at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 20, at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd. (northshorecenter.org); and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21, at the Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph (harristheaterchicago.org). Tickets range from $25-$100. For tickets or more information visit baroque.org or call (312) 551-1414.

An advocate for diversity in music and programming, Mobley will discuss his unique career path and present a short recital of music by underrepresented classical composers at a free event in Chicago's Austin neighborhood. "A Conversation/Concert with Reginald Mobley" will take place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 17, at the Kehrein Center for the Arts, 5628 W. Washington Blvd. in Chicago. This event is free and open to the public. For reservations or more information, visit baroque.org.