Phoenix Festival: Autumn Serenades with Ellen Mandel & Jessica Crandall

An evening of music by celebrated composer Ellen Mandel sung by Jessica Crandall.

Each of Mandel’s songs creates its own little world: this one’s a smoldering romance, that one’s all beauty and springtime, the next is dark and dangerous, next a song of flirtatious and witty wordplay, and then one that will break your heart. You’ll hear songs from Ellen’s song cycle inspired by Edward Hopper’s magnificent paintings. You’ll watch the play Waiting for Godot contained in one fun and lively jazz number. You’ll receive the prophetess Cassandra’s warning, in Trojan language, from the ancient Greek tragedy Agamemnon. And to finish, you’ll be treated to Ellen’s hilarious self-help song—a blues, of course—singing along to internalize her therapeutic message.

Crandall has sung with the New York Choral Society at Carnegie Hall and Avery Fisher Hall. She is currently at work on an original song cycle with composer and Guggenheim Fellow Carman Moore

The duo has charmed audiences all over New York City and beyond, with their expert musicianship and playful banter. They love performing, and you’ll love being taken on an emotional journey with them.

The extraordinary beauty and acoustics of the First Reformed Church elevate this concert to an event for all senses.

“Mandel’s songs are ardent, spiky and refreshingly organic.” – NY Times

“Songs are sung so exquisitely by the extraordinary Jessica Crandall.” – Inside Press