Lily Arbisser
(Photo by Arielle Doneson)

On March 13, at 4 p.m., Princeton Pro Musica (PPM) honors the life and legacy of Anne Frank with Annelies, James Whitbourn’s setting of passages from Anne’s diary for chorus, soprano, and orchestra. PPM was set to perform this work exactly two years ago but was forced to cancel due to the emerging COVID-19 pandemic.

Whitbourn’s choral setting in Annelies offers a different interpretation of the diary by focusing solely on the central figure of Anne, portrayed by the soprano soloist, expressing in a series of vignettes her inner, spiritual life within the context of observations of the world outside. PPM will present the rarely-performed and dramatic version with full orchestra.

“Annelies is a piece of musical portraiture, in which the essence of a young girl is portrayed in the fragile medium of the human breath,” said Whitbourn. “The particular portrait will be constructed in the minds of all who hear those sounds on this day and in this place. Through it, the wisdom and perception of Anne Frank is there to teach us all.”

Lily Arbisser will be the soprano soloist. Highlights of her recent seasons include joining Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute in Chicago as a vocal fellow, winning first prize in the National Federation of Music Clubs’ (NFMC) Biennial Young Artist Competition, and debuting at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall as Suzu in Riyoichi Saito’s chamber opera Dojoji. Arbisser graduated from Princeton University with a Bachelor of the Arts in art and archaeology and a Certificate in Vocal Performance. She holds a Master of Music degree from Mannes College.

All patrons must be vaccinated and boosted and wear a mask at all times. Tickets for the concert may be purchased online at princetonpromusica.org or by calling the office at (609) 683-5122.