This week audiences will get a chance to listen to some rarely performed works as well as song recitals that unique interpretations of classics.

Soul Sanctuary

Parma Recordings releases soprano Maria Clark and pianist Maria Thompson Corley’s new album. The record features empowering spirituals from the past two centuries and the duo brings to life religious songs that have stood the test of time and find deep relevance today.

Arranged by Thompson Corley and recorded in Atlanta GA’s Peachtree Presbyterian Church, these spirituals, include “His Eye is on the Sparrow,” “Wade in the Water,” and “Glory, Glory, Hallelujah.”

Handel: Apollo e Dafne & Armida abbandonata

Il pomo d’oro and Francesco Corti present Handel’s “Apollo e Dafne” and “Armida abbandonata” on PENTATONE. The new album features soprano Kathryn Lewek (Armida & Dafne) and baritone John Chest (Apollo). Handel composed these two cantatas shortly after his Italian sojourn and they demonstrate his acquaintance with and aptitude for Italian operatic music.

From Rags to Riches: 100 Years of American Song

New York Festival of Song release “From Rags to Riches: 100 Years of American Song” on its new in-house label, NYFOS Records. The label’s debut album features mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe and tenor William Burden, together with Steven Blier, Artistic Director of the NYFOS who accompanies Blythe and Burden, on piano in works spanning art song, musical theater, jazz, and opera.

The album was recorded at the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College in New York on March 23, 2000.

Francesca da Rimini 

Naxos releases the Deutsche Oper striking new staging of Zandonai’s opera. The production by Christof Loy stars Sara Jakubiak in the title role, Jonathan Tetelman as her brother-in-law/lover, Paolo, Ivan Inverardi, and Charles Workman. Carlo Rizzi leads the Deutsche Oper Orchestra.