“Humanity and Lucifer” and “The Soldier's Tale”

“These two morality tales mirror each other across two centuries, representing humanity’s struggle with its demons,” says Artistic Director Daniel Stepner, who will deliver pre-concert talks at 6:15 p.m. before each event. “And Stravinsky’s 1918 piece has resonance for today: war, revolution, pandemic. In fact, Spanish influenza halted performances of ‘The Soldier’s Tale.’”

Soprano Kristen Watson and tenor Frank Kelley are featured in the Scarlatti piece. Kelley will also narrate and stage-direct the “The Soldier’s Tale,” performed by two actors, a dancer, and a rag-tag “village band,” comprised of Aston Magna musicians performing on period instruments.